The development of hierarchical models and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) techniques forms one of the most profound advances in Bayesian analysis since the 1970s and provides the basis for advances in virtually all areas of applied and theoretical Bayesian statistics.

This volume guides the reader along a statistical journey that begins with the basic structure of Bayesian theory, and then provides details on most of the past and present advances in this field. The book has a unique format. There is an explanatory chapter devoted to each conceptual advance followed by journal-style chapters that provide applications or further advances on the concept.

Thus, the volume is both a textbook and a compendium of papers covering a vast range of topics. It is appropriate for a well-informed novice interested in understanding the basic approach, methods and recent applications. Because of its advanced chapters and recent work, it is also appropriate for a more mature reader interested in recent applications and developments, and who may be looking for ideas that could spawn new research.

Hence, the audience for this unique book would likely include academicians/practitioners, and could likely be required reading for undergraduate and graduate students in statistics, medicine, engineering, scientific computation, business, psychology, bio-informatics, computational physics, graphical models, neural networks, geosciences, and public policy.

The book honours the contributions of Sir Adrian F. M. Smith, one of the seminal Bayesian researchers, with his papers on hierarchical models, sequential Monte Carlo, and Markov chain Monte Carlo and his mentoring of numerous graduate students -the chapters are authored by prominent statisticians influenced by him.

Bayesian Theory and Applications should serve the dual purpose of a reference book, and a textbook in Bayesian Statistics.

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Paul Damien is a Professor at the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas in Austin. Petros Dellaportas is a Professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business. Nicholas G Polson is Professor of Econometrics and Statistics at Chicago Booth, University of Chicago. David M Stephens is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at McGill University, Canada.