This classic, time-honored introduction to the theory and practice of statistics modeling and inference reflects the changing focus of contemporary Statistics. Coverage begins with the more general nonparametric point of view and then looks at parametric models as submodels of the nonparametric ones which can be described smoothly by Euclidean parameters. Although some computational issues are discussed, this is very much a book on theory. It relates theory to conceptual and technical issues encountered in practice, viewing theory as suggestive for practice, not prescriptive. It shows readers how assumptions which lead to neat theory may be unrealistic in practice. Statistical Models, Goals, and Performance Criteria. Methods of Estimation. Measures of Performance, Notions of Optimality, and Construction of Optimal Procedures in Simple Situations.