The The primary primary aim aim of of this this book book is is to to explore explore the the use use of of nonparametric nonparametric regres regres sion sion (i. e., (i. e., smoothing) smoothing) methodology methodology in in testing testing the the fit fit of of parametric parametric regression regression models. models. It It is is anticipated anticipated that that the the book book will will be be of of interest interest to to an an audience audience of of graduate graduate students, students, researchers researchers and and practitioners practitioners who who study study or or use use smooth smooth ing ing methodology. methodology. Chapters Chapters 2-4 2-4 serve serve as as a a general general introduction introduction to to smoothing smoothing in in the the case case of of a a single single design design variable. variable. The The emphasis emphasis in in these these chapters chapters is is on on estimation estimation of of regression regression curves, curves, with with hardly hardly any any mention mention of of the the lack-of lack-of fit fit problem. problem. As As such, such, Chapters Chapters 2-4 2-4 could could be be used used as as the the foundation foundation of of a a graduate graduate level level statistics statistics course course on on nonparametric nonparametric regression. regression."

An exploration of the use of smoothing methods in testing the fit of parametric regression models. The book reviews many of the existing methods for testing lack-of-fit and also proposes a number of new methods, addressing both applied and theoretical aspects of the model checking problems. As such, the book is of interest to practitioners of statistics and researchers investigating either lack-of-fit tests or nonparametric smoothing ideas. The first four chapters introduce the problem of estimating regression functions by nonparametric smoothers, primarily those of kernel and Fourier series type, and could be used as the foundation for a graduate level course on nonparametric function estimation. The prerequisites for a full appreciation of the book are a modest knowledge of calculus and some familiarity with the basics of mathematical statistics.

In the spirit of Lionel Trilling, Edmund Wilson, and Susan Sontag, the renowned literary critic Jeffrey Hart writes The Living Moment, a close reading of literature as it intersects with the political. Hart's book is an even-handed guide for anyone toddling into the mists of the modernist moment, effortlessly moving between such modernist monuments as Eliot's "The Waste Land," Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, Mann's Doctor Faustus, and Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Hart's most stunning achievement is his brilliant inclusion of Marilynne Robinson's Gilead as a modernist text, for the way the novel teaches us to see more, to hear more, to feel more. Hart's dazzling study is an examination of important works of literature as they explore the experience of living in a broken world with thought and sometimes with examples of resolve that possess permanent validity. The Living Moment is for anyone who is wearied by so much of today's trendy, narrow, and ideologically driven criticism.