NOT the Majority Opinion

The following opens new avenues to free access to scientific books. Luc Devroye should be congratulated for it! (Visit his web page for more. http://cgm.cs.mcgill.ca/~luc/rnbookindex.html )

Non-Uniform Random Variate Generation

(originally published with Springer-Verlag, New York, 1986)

Luc Devroye

School of Computer Science

McGill University

Preface to the Web Edition

When I wrote this book in 1986, I had to argue long and hard with Springer Verlag to publish it. They printed a small number of copies, and never bothered with a second printing, even though, surprisingly, there seemed to be some continued demand for the book. I have asked Springer to print more copies, but they flatly refused, unless I was willing to publish a second edition with them in the near future. Burnt once, why would I trust them with a second edition? Also, I figured that since Springer had gross income about 500,000 US dollars from my books with them, that they would be more generous with their royalties and more responsive to demands for second printings. The contrary is true in fact: royalties are decreasing (they stand now at 7.5% per book), and I feel that I am just one of the many academic rape victims.

As the book is out of print, the copyright and ownership is mine, so I do with it what I want. On these web pages, you will find a fine scan of my book in text searchable PDF format (thanks, HK). This is the original text. A list of errata is here.

Furthermore, I give anyone the permission, even without asking me, to take these PDF files to a printer, print as many copies as you like, and sell them for profit. If you would like me to advertise the sales points of the hard copies, please let me know. To the libraries: Please do not charge patrons for copying this book. I grant everyone the right to copy at will, for free.