"Traditional texts in mathematical statistics can seem - to some readers - heavily weighted with optimality theory of the various flavours developed in the 1940s and 1950s, and not particularly relevant to statistical practice. Mathematical Statistics stands apart from these treatments. While mathematically rigorous, its focus is on providing a set of useful tools that allow readers to understand the theoretical underpinnings of statistical methodology. The result is a balanced, practical text ideally suited for senior or graduate level studies in statistical theory."--BOOK JACKET.