Regarded by many critics as Britain's best sitcom, Porridge is set to become even more popular following the sad death of Ronnie Barker in October 2005. His portrayal of Fletch, the experienced, cynical old lag, won the nation's heart when the series first hit our screens in 1973. This complete companion is the only book to tell the behind-the-scenes story of how the series came to be made and is packed full of never-before-published photographs and interviews with the cast and crew. It is also the only book to bring together the original scripts from all three series, making this the essential souvenir for all the millions of Porridge fans.

Building on the foundations laid in the companion text Modern Engineering Mathematics, this book gives an extensive treatment of some of the advanced areas of mathematics that have applications in various fields of engineering, particularly as tools for computer-based system modelling, analysis and design. The philosophy of learning by doing helps students develop the ability to use mathematics with understanding to solve engineering problems. A wealth of engineering examples and the integration of MATLAB, MAPLE and R further support students.

This book, based on a successful undergraduate course designed by the author, describes mathematical modelling and its application to the solution of problems in industry and commerce. In the early chapters of the book the author first sets out a clear introduction to the principles of mathematical modelling, including sections on the various methodologies of mathematical modelling and their relationship to systems methodologies. He then offers some insights into practical aspects of mathematical modelling and proceeds to describe the development and operation of the undergraduate course upon which the book is based. In the later chapters seven case studies, based on real problems contributed by mathematicians working in industry, are introduced. Each chapter describes a problem, the solution originally adopted and variations on that solution introduced by students over a number of years use of the case studies.

'Fabulous memoirs from the two great writers . . . I loved every second of it' Eric Idle Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais's unique writing partnership has lasted over fifty years. After creating the characters of Bob and Terry, factory hands from the north-east of England, in The Likely Lads and Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, their reputation as great screenwriters was secured. Their acclaimed careers have included writing, directing and producing iconic TV programmes like Porridge, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Lovejoy. Their feature films include Otley, The Commitments and Still Crazy. Along the way, they have had unforgettable encounters with movie stars like Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, Marlon Brando, Michael Caine and Sean Connery - not to mention with stellar performers as varied as Billy Connolly, George Best, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Ronnie Wood and Tracey Ullman. Naturally, Dick and Ian's dual memoir is told with flair and immense humour. It is also choc-a-bloc with unexpected happenings, rogues and rock stars, prima donnas, plots and panic.