5: Wavelets in 20 simple pages
This is simply the best book I have come across on introducing wavelets. I am sure that within the first 20 pages, which are easy to understand and make for a very quick read, you will begin to see the beauty of this theory and will applaud the author's exposition. While this book does not need much more than basic linear algebra, the author does not shy away from the mathematics where necessary - he simply motivates it by providing an intuitive understanding of the equations, so it's easy to follow. In the very first chapter, he describes the wavelet method using examples that can be worked out by hand. (This is also mentioned in another review and contributed to me buying this book. I was doing research on another wavelet book on the site when I came across this book and it's reviews.) This helps to fix and brilliantly clarify the main ideas behind the theory. Armed with this knowledge, the reader can better appreciate the more sophisticated wavelet functions. But, the basics would be firmly planted by this book. This is rarely seen in other books dealing with this thoery. This book is great for someone who wants to learn about this topic. It also is an excellent book for those who have an advanced graduate degree in applied mathematics since it demonstrates how to truly understand complex concepts. The discussion is motivated with real world examples such as removing noise from signals, image enhancements, etc. These are useful examples that you can relate to. There is enough in this book and the downloadable software that you may want to undertake meaningful projects yourself. That is the confidence that you get from this book. An outstanding quality is that the book is thin. This is a strong motivating factor since it immediately sends the message that "this method can't be that hard to grasp if the book is so short." And, this subliminal message keeps your spirits up as you read this masterpiece. Wavelets is a mathematically intensive technique, and it seems that most authors want to show how "macho" they are by shrouding the basics under a heavy cloak of complex equations. But, true "machoism" is displayed by how deftly an author can bring a difficult topic to the lay person. James Walker does this remarkably well.
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