The Book of Risks: Fascinating Facts About the Chances We Take Every Day

by Larry Laudan

An expert in statistical analysis, Laudan shows that numerous risk figures are the opposite of what we've been led to believe from media hype. His fascinating book offers a lighthearted look at the risks we face in everyday life—running the gamut from risks around the home to crime, hobbies, sports and disease. All figures are easy to understand and many are illustrated with clear graphs. Features 40 plus sidebars which provide extra tidbits of information.

221 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

Larry Laudan was an American philosopher of science and epistemologist. He strongly criticized the traditions of positivism, realism, and relativism, and he defended a view of science as a privileged and progressive institution against popular challenges.

Reviews

[Christine]

Another random find at the library. Very fun, light, bathroom-type book. Did you know that your chance of receiving a live letter bomb this year is 1 in 15 million? Or that the chance that your doctor will fill out your death certificate wrong is 1 in 3? Yes, these are the fascinating things we learn from this fun little book. Ok, last one: the risk you will be injured by a faulty TV this year is 1 in 7000.