 The book describes methods of mathematical model-building using probability and statistics.Silver takes a big-picture approach to using statistical tools, combining sources of unique data (e.g., timing a minor league ball player's fastball using a radar gun), with historical data and principles of sound statistical analysis; Silver argues that many of these are violated by many pollsters and pundits who nonetheless have important media roles.Case studies in the book include baseball, elections, climate change, the financial crash, poker, and weather forecasting.