Signal coding and signal processing are complex and critical elements of communications systems in broadcasting, satellite, and magnetic recording fields among others. Because both signal coding and processing are often found within a single electronic system (especially large communications systems), this book uniquely combines an introduction to both of these areas and provides an uncluttered theoretical treatment of optical coding and processing algorithms, together with design information for practical systems. The author examines Pulse Code Modulation fundamentals, surveys modern data compression techniques, introduces block and convolutional error control codes, and discusses modern transmission coding techniques. Complete with problems and solutions, and containing over 230 diagrams, this textbook will be invaluable to third- and fourth-year undergraduates in electronic, electrical, or communication engineering. It will also act as a useful reference for anyone working in this technologically important field.

A Concise History of the Classic Guitar by Graham Wade, one of the foremost international writers on the guitar, explores the history of the instrument from the 16th century to the present day. This compact assessment of five centuries of fretted instruments cover the vihuela in Spain, the history of four-course and five-course guitars, the evolution of tablature, and developments in the six-string guitar in the 19th century. The work also charts the contribution of leading composers, performers and luthiers of the 20th century, and evaluates the influence of Segovia, Llobet, Pujol, Presti, Bream, Williams, etc., among the world's famous guitarists. This book, intended for the general public and guitar students of all ages, is the first interpretative history of the classic guitar to be published in the 21st century, and will be eagerly welcomed by all lovers of the instrument.

Themes, Dreams & Seasons, Poems 1956-2018, is a collection of over 250 poems and three short stories spanning over sixty years from this critically acclaimed biographer and novelist. The poems are presented thematically covering a wide variety of experiences, topics, reflections, and styles, including the intensities of love and loss, meditations on mythologies, character, destinies, travel, the world of nature, and the tragic momentum of time, old age, and mortality.

This beautifully crafted historical novel by Graham Wade recounts the meteoritic rise of an orphaned peasant boy from Turkey to the exalted position of confidant to the Emperor of Russia, the insane son of Catherine the Great. The Emperor's Barber is a riveting story of adventure, romance, and retribution in which the author presents the memoirs of Kutaissov, the Turkish barber who became a trusted adviser to the Tsar in the eighteenth century. As Kutaissov relates his intimate memoirs the many facets of his nature are revealed, as well as the development of a perilous relationship with a tsar usually considered as either mentally unstable or (at his worst) totally deranged. The historically accurate and witty writing describes court life at the turn of the nineteenth century, using real-life characters and a great imagination to interpret the historic events that led to the demise of Tsar Paul 1.

The Fibonacci Confessions is a story of discovery, adventure, romance, and betrayal. This exciting novel presents the intimately personal letters of Leonardo Pisano (also known as Fibonacci), mathematician, scholar, and traveller, looking back over a lifetime at the follies of his youth, travel in North Africa, Egypt, the disasters of various amorous affairs, and his endless pursuit of the 'numbers' in a quest which leads to both glorious and tragic consequences. Fibonacci, telling his own tragic story, keeps few secrets hidden as he passionately pursues his destiny in a medieval world where there are many hazards and few rewards. His story begins in innocence and ends in calamity, as step by step he indulges in the flaws which lead to his downfall. From every experience Fibonacci learns new lessons, but somehow he always commits the same errors with the inevitable consequences.