Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, 2009-2010 Edition

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The Princeton Review realizes that acing the SAT Chemistry Subject Test is very different from earning straight A's in school. We don’t try to teach you everything there is to know about chemistry—only the techniques and information you’ll need to maximize your score. In Cracking the SAT Chemistry Subject Test, we’ll teach you how to think like the test writers and

·Master test taking strategies that will improve your score
·Review key concepts that will appear on the test
·Use proven techniques to solve complicated questions

Chemistry for Dummies

Product Description
Includes examples of chemistry in action in everyday life
See how chemistry works in everything from soaps to medicines to petroleum
Whether you're taking a chemistry course or you're curious about what chemists do, this fun and easy guide will get you up to speed in matter and energy, elements and atoms, acids and gases, and much more. You'll understand the basic concepts and discover how chemistry affects our day-to-day lives - from the home to the environment.
The Dummies Way
* Explanations in plain English
* "Get in, get out" information
* Icons and other navigational aids
* Tear-out cheat sheet
* Top ten lists
* A dash of humor and fun
About the Author
John T. Moore Ed.D. has been a teacher for more than thirty years. Numerous grants have permitted him to focus on the professional development of elementary and middle school teachers in science.

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2010 Edition

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Are you getting ready to take the AP Chemistry exam? The Princeton Review experts provide the help you need in Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2010 Edition. It includes:

•2 full-length AP practice tests with detailed explanations
•Proven techniques to help get high scores
•All AP Chemistry review topics from atomic structure and chemical equations to thermodynamics and nuclear decay
•Review AP test questions in every chapter
•Tables, charts and diagrams to help you best prepare for AP Chemistry
•Detailed walk-through of how to write great AP essays
•Planning and organization tips to get you all the way to test day!

Prentice Hall Molecular Model Set For Organic Chemistry

Product Description
This kit enables users to build virtually all simple molecules encountered in organic chemistry. Includes space-filling models that simulate the true shape of saturated compounds. Provides open models that form realistic single, double, and triple bonds — even strained rings. Allows smooth rotation of the bonds to make conformational analysis easy. Contains enough components to create several models at once. The components are precision-tooled from quality plastics, are virtually indestructible, and come in a sturdy plastic case for easy storage. Provides a useful Instruction Book — with photos, diagrams, and concise discussions of chemical principles.

From the Publisher
This kit enables users to build virtually all simple molecules encountered in organic chemistry.

The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe

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An eye-opening, original collection of gorgeous, never-before-seen photographic representations of the 118 elements in the periodic table.

The elements are what we, and everything around us, are made of. But how many elements has anyone actually seen in pure, uncombined form? The Elements provides this rare opportunity. Based on five years of research and photography, the pictures in this book make up the most complete, and visually arresting, representation available to the naked eye of every atom in the universe. Organized in order of appearance on the periodic table, each element is represented by a spread that includes a stunning, full-page, full-color photograph that most closely represents it in its purest form. For example, at -183˚C, oxygen turns from a colorless gas to a beautiful pale blue liquid.

Also included are fascinating facts, figures, and stories of the elements as well as data on the properties of each, including atomic weight, density, melting and boiling point, valence, electronegativity, and the year and location in which it was discovered. Several additional photographs show each element in slightly altered forms or as used in various practical ways. The element's position on the periodic table is pinpointed on a mini rendering of the table and an illustrated scale of the element's boiling and/or melting points appears on each page along with a density scale that runs along the bottom.

Packed with interesting information, this combination of solid science and stunning artistic photographs is the perfect gift book for every sentient creature in the universe.


About the Author
Theodore Gray is the author of Popular Science magazine's “Gray Matter” column, the proprietor of periodictable.com and the creator of the iconic photographic periodic table poster seen in universities, schools, museums and TV shows from “MythBusters” to “Hannah Montana”. In his other life he is cofounder of the major software company Wolfram Research, creators of the world's leading technical software system, Mathematica™. He lives in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

Downfall: The End of the Imperial Japanese Empire

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Examkrackers 1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry

1001 Questions in MCAT Chemistry provides practice questions in all chemistry topics covered by the MCAT. The questions and explanations are designed to teach the student to think intuitively. Like the MCAT, conceptual thinking is encouraged while lengthy calculations are discouraged. Memorization of basic formulas is required, but usually will not, in itself, provide the fastest method to finding an answer. Questions are conveniently arranged by topic. Question difficulty ranges from easy to very difficult. Questions are formatted exactly like the MCAT. Answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book. Definitely worth your time and money., April 29, 2002
Reviewer: kenas21 from TX, United States I believe Examcrackers produces the best MCAT prep materials. I made the mistake of taking another prep company. It took me quite long to realize the other prep company did not prepare me at all. I used this book to help me understand the concepts for the g. chem on the MCAT.

Chemistry: The Central Science, 10th Edition

Set apart by its scientific accuracy, clarity, innovative descriptions, and visuals, Chemistry: The Central Science is the most trusted book available. A comprehensive media package that works in tandem with the text helps students practice and learn while providing instructors the tools they need to succeed. Readers are given a consistent structure and guidelines to enhance comprehension. Problem-solving aids are integrated throughout, including Strategies in Chemistry boxes and dual-column problem-solving strategies for selected samples. Emphasizing visualization, the Tenth Edition has been designed expressly to help readerse better visualize the chemistry required.
Introduction: Matter and Measurement; Atoms, Molecules, and Ions; Stoichiometry: Calculations with Chemical Formulas and Equations; Aqueous Reactions and Solution Stoichiometry; Thermochemistry; Electronic Structure of Atoms; Periodic Properties of the Elements; Basic Concepts of Chemical Bonding; Molecular Geometry and Bonding Theories; Gases; Intermolecular Forces, Liquids, and Solids; Modern Materials; Properties of Solutions; Chemical Kinetics; Chemical Equilibrium; Acid-Base Equilibria; Additional Aspects of Equilibria; Chemistry of the Environment; Chemical Thermodynamics; Electrochemistry Nuclear Chemistry; Chemistry of the Nonmetals; Metals and Metallurgy; Chemistry of Coordination Compounds; The Chemistry of Life: Organic and Biological Chemistry.

A comprehensive reference for chemistry professionals.

Chemistry: The Central Science

Chemistry: The Central Science is the most trusted book on the market--its scientific accuracy, clarity, innovative pedagogy, functional problem-solving and visuals set this book apart. Brown, LeMay, and Bursten teach students the concepts and skills they need without overcomplicating the subject. A comprehensive media package that works in tandem with the text helps students practice and learn while providing instructors the tools they need to succeed.

Organic Chemistry

A Market Leading, Traditional Approach to Organic Chemistry
Throughout all seven editions, Organic Chemistry has been designed to meet the needs of the "mainstream," two-semester, undergraduate organic chemistry course. This best-selling text gives students a solid understanding of organic chemistry by stressing how fundamental reaction mechanisms function and reactions occur. With the addition of handwritten solutions, new cutting-edge molecular illustrations, updated spectroscopy coverage, seamless integration of molecular modeling exercises, and state-of-the-art multimedia tools, the 7th edition of Organic Chemistry clearly offers the most up-to-date approach to the study of organic chemistry.

The Younger (Thinner) You Diet: How Understanding Your Brain Chemistry Can Help You Lose Weight, Reverse Aging, and Fight Disease

New research in nutrition and weight loss has revealed an amazing discovery: the brain—virtually neglected in all other diet plans—is the most important organ in dieting. Dieters can actually lose weight by eating foods, nutrients, teas, and spices that change the chemical balance of the brain for permanent weight loss—a major factor contributing to how quickly the body ages. In fact, everyone can take years off their age by changing their brain chemistry. In Younger (Thinner) You Diet, Dr. Eric Braverman expands upon concepts introduced in Younger You to present a totally new approach to lifelong weight management, where the key is not found in counting carbs, fat grams, or calories. Obesity is a brain chemical imbalance, an addictive disorder, treated successfully only through the combined approach of diet, nutrients, and hormones. One of the foremost experts in integrative medicine, known for his work on the brain-body connection, Dr. Braverman teaches readers:
-which foods naturally boost the body’s production of dopamine, the chemical in the brain that tells the body to start its fat-burning engine
-how to choose foods, supplements, teas, and spices—even hormones and medicine—to avoid the effects of other aging organs that can destroy one’s metabolism
-how to personalize the diet for specific health concerns, such as heart problems, aging skin, weak muscles, and achy joints
Eliminating the frustration and deprivation of conventional dieting, Younger (Thinner) You Diet will help anyone turn back the clock to a slimmer, healthier, younger you.

Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests

This comprehensive lab & diagnostic manual provides outstanding explanations and illustrations
The 3rd edition of this widely used resource offers superb guidance on diagnostic and laboratory testing for health professionals in both academic and clinical settings. The chapters are organized by test type and each chapter begins with a list of the tests covered within the test type, as well as an overview of that category including specimen collection techniques. The tests are presented in a consistent format that includes normal findings, indications, contraindications, potential complications, interfering factors, procedure and patient care, test results and clinical significance, and related tests. This full-color book is easy to use and covers virtually every clinically significant test, including more than 50 new to this edition. * A full color interior design and over 140 vivid color photographs and illustrations depict procedures, equipment, techniques, and concepts, making the content more visually appealing to the reader and the concepts easier to understand. * Comprehensive coverage of all diagnostic and laboratory tests routinely performed today. Over 700 individual tests are covered in approximately 360 entries. * Clinical Significances of test results, indicated in italic type, explain the pathophysiology of disease processes and how they relate to test results. * Color-coded chapter thumb-tabs, alphabetically organized chapters, and two lists of all tests (Appendix A, Alphabetical List of Tests and Appendix B, List of Tests by Body System) make every test easy to find. * Critical Values are highlighted with color to alert the reader to situations requiring immediate intervention.

Aspirin and Related Drug

Product Description

Reviewing over a century of aspirin research and use, Aspirin and Related Drugs provides a comprehensive source of information on the history, chemistry, absorption in the body, therapeutic effects, toxicology, elimination, and future uses of aspirin. Highlighting the historical evolution of the salicylates and the commercial development of aspirin, the book reviews the pharmacokinetics of the salicylates, ibuprofen, and paracetamol as a basis for understanding the biodisposition of these analgesic drugs. Leading specialists discuss the therapeutic role of aspirin in the prevention and treatment of thrombo-embolic diseases, its place along with non-acetylated salicylates in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and plain, and the potential applications for aspirin and related drugs as prophylactics for colon cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. They also present comparisons with other drugs used to treat pain and inflammation. With extensive data and literature covering a broad field, this is the definitive reference on the actions and applications of aspirin, salicylates, and related drugs. Physicians, pharmacists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and chemists will find this resource useful in their daily work. It will also be valuable to pharmaceutical companies and researchers in the development of newer agents and novel applications.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3103850 in Books
* Published on: 2004-03-30
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Hardcover
* 800 pages

A Guide to Methods in the Biomedical Sciences

Product Description

A Guide to Methods in the Biomedical Sciences gives a basic description of common methods used in research. This is not intended to be a methods book. Rather, it is intended to be a book that outlines the purpose of the methods described, their limitations and provide alternative approaches as appropriate. Thousands of methods have been developed in the various biomedical disciplines and those covered in this book represent the basic, essential and most widely used methods in several different disciplines. The historical background (including some interesting anecdotes) leading to the development of ground-breaking techniques is described, especially of those that significantly advanced the field of biomedical research. Advances that earned their inventors prestigious Nobel Prizes are emphasized.

The book is divided into six sections, highlighting selected methods in protein chemistry, nucleic acids, recombinant DNA technology (including forensic-based methods), antibody-based techniques, microscopy and imaging, and the use of animals in biomedical sciences.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1818286 in Books
* Published on: 2004-12-17
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Hardcover
* 108 pages

Kitchen improvised plastic explosives

Cleanup of Chemical and Explosive Munitions: How to Make Military Ranges Environmentally Safe

Product Description
Audience: Environmental scientists, explosive and ordnance demolition personnel, first responders, building contractors, insurance agents, as well as terrorism, transportation and industry officials involved with chemicals.



Unexploded military ordnance and toxic chemicals, some dating back to World War I, are worldwide problems, especially at closed military bases that will be redeveloped for housing and other civilian use. In Europe and Asia, many of the munition sites are former battlegrounds; in Russia and its former territories, the sites are storage and waste disposal sites.



This book describes the steps necessary to properly clean up a military ordnance site. It includes a detailed list of the explosives, chemical warfare material and breakdown products that should be tested for in soil and groundwater. It includes archival studies, remote sensing techniques, geophysical techniques, safety issues, a primer on chemical weapons, explosives and ordnance, unknown range list, known range list, and a case study of primary documents written for the cleanup of one of the worst sites in the United States, Spring Valley in the District of Columbia. The book covers new and emerging military munitions contaminants such as perchlorates, n-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and trichloroethylene (TCE). The book is augmented with maps, photographs, and eight appendices. About the Author
Richard Albright is an expert in weapons of mass destruction with an international reputation. A former US Army officer, he is also an attorney, holds an M.S. in environmental health and a Ph.D. in environmental science. He has testified before Congress and state legislatures on chemical weapons and received the prestigious Cafritz Award in 2001 for his work on cleaning up the Spring Valley World War I facility in Washington, DC. Richard Albright has written prolifically on this subject and now works for the Department of the Environment Defense Unit in Washington, DC.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
From the Foreword


Imagine, for a moment, that a foreign nation has dispatched a band of terrorists to the United States. The intruders silently move across the landscape depositing toxic chemicals at a thousand sites around the country. Some of the toxic compounds quickly enter the rivers and underground reservoirs that supply America with drinking water. Other chemicals contaminate our neighborhoods and backyards where our children play. Still others sit like time bombs, destined to contaminate our water supplies after months, years, or even decades. The toxic chemicals carried by these enemies are the products of the most sophisticated laboratories on Earth. They cause birth defects, liver disease, and cancer. Their effects may be felt for generations.



Unquestionably, if this imagined threat were real, we would turn to the Pentagon to combat this threat to our national security. After all, the Pentagon’s job is to defend the nation against outside enemies.



But what do we do when the threat comes, not from abroad, but from the Department of Defense (DOD) itself? What if our own worst enemy is the same institution that is charged with defending us?



We turn to environmental regulators like Rich Albright.

Organic Chemistry of Explosives

Review
"With about 1500 references and many citations leading to existing reviews and further reading, this high quality book is an indispensable reference that should find its place in every good scientific library." (SYNTHESIS, December 2007)

"…fill[s] a void in the literature by authoring a reference text that provides detailed information on the synthetic routes to a wide variety of energetic materials." (Journal of Hazardous Metals, July 2007) Product Description
Organic Chemistry of Explosives is the first text to bring together the essential methods and routes used for the synthesis of organic explosives in a single volume.

Assuming no prior knowledge, the book discusses everything from the simplest mixed acid nitration of toluene, to the complex synthesis of highly energetic caged nitro compounds.

* Reviews laboratory and industrial methods, which can be used to introduce aliphatic C-nitro, aromatic C-nitro, N-nitro, and nitrate ester functionality into organic compounds
* Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each synthetic method or route, with scope, limitations, substrate compatibility and other important considerations
* Features numerous examples in the form of text, reaction diagrams, and tables.



From the Back Cover
Explosives have attracted some unwanted publicity over the years for their misuse in the taking of life and the destruction of property. Although such concerns and views are not unfounded, there is a bigger picture. More explosives have been used in times of peace than in all of the wars and conflicts put together. How many of the great engineering achievements would have been possible if not for the intervention of explosives? Explosives are in fact no more than tools and remain as some of the most fascinating products of chemistry.

Organic Chemistry of Explosives is the first text which brings together in one volume the essential methods and routes used for the synthesis of organic explosives. Topics are organised based on the fact that explosive properties are imparted into a compound by the presence of certain functional groups, and include:

* the methods which can be used to introduce C-nitro, O-nitro, and N-nitro functionality into organic compounds
* the synthesis of energetic compounds in the form of polynitropolycycloalkanes, caged and strained nitramines, and N-heterocycles
* the synthesis of explosives containing functionality less widely encountered, including: organic azides, peroxides, diazophenols, and energetic compounds derived from guanidine and its derivatives
* nitration with dinitrogen pentoxide and its likely significance for the future synthesis of energetic materials.

This book also highlights important properties such as melting points, impact sensitivities and velocities of detonation etc. which are considered valuable from the end–use point of view.

Organic Chemistry of Explosives is an essential reference source for chemists working in the field of energetic materials and all those with an interest in the chemistry of nitramines, nitro compounds, nitrate esters, and nitration in general.

The Chemistry of Explosives

Review

Extracts from reviews of 1st Edition:

"… this succinct introductory paperback manual on the chemistry, physics, and functioning of explosives is most welcome … eminently readable …"

Angewandte Chemie, International Edition

"…an excellent book for A Level students and new graduates."

International Journal of Environmental Studies Product Description

Revised and expanded to reflect new developments in the field, this book outlines the basic principles required to understand the chemical processes of explosives.

The Chemistry of Explosives provides an overview of the history of explosives, taking the reader to future developments. The text on the classification of explosive materials contains much data on the physical parameters of primary and secondary explosives. The explosive processes of deflagration and detonation, including the theory of 'hotspots' for the detonation process, are introduced and many examples are provided in the detailed description on the thermochemistry of explosives. New material includes coverage of the latest explosive compositions, such as high temperature explosives, nitrocubanes, energetic polymers, plasticizers and insensitive munitions (IM).

This concise, readable book is ideal for 'A' level students and new graduates with no previous knowledge of explosive materials. With detailed information on a vast range of explosives in tabular form and an extensive bibliography, this book will also be useful to anyone needing succinct information on the subject.


Book Info
Covers all aspects of explosive chemistry from history to manufacturing techniques & formulation. The text is unique in that it introduces difficult subjects in a readable manner. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Chemistry of Powder and Explosives by Tenny Davis

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #248650 in Books
* Published on: 1972-06
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Hardcover
* 512 pages

Customer Reviews

Great Read5
I've been an amateur pyrotechnician for years, and this book is a good addition to any newcomer to the hobby. Although I'd recommend you take a college course in chemistry before you even try to attempt anything in this book, if at all. You really need to know what you're doing, or you're going to get yourself hurt or killed, and that's not an exaggeration. You'll also need a BATF license to legally carry out any of these procedures in the United States. If you're going to start up the hobby, read and learn as much as you can, get a license, and you will be granted to practicing a very rewarding hobby. Or on the other hand, if you don't plan on embracing it as a hobby, and if you're just reading this for informational purposes, read away. Highly recommended.

Outstanding Chemistry Text5
First, realize that this book is a fairly technical organic chemistry text about explosives. Under the heading of explosives also fall black powder and some pyrotechnic compositions, but the bulk of the text is about high explosives. This was one of the first texts I read on explosives, and it is one of the best. That being said, I am a synthetic organic chemist by training, so I have a very different perspective on the material.

As one reader mentioned, there is a lot of history in this book. Davis was the chair of the historical section of the ACS (American Chemical Society) for many years, and it shows here. Much is written about the discovery and the industrial processes used to manufacture explosives. Their uses throughout wars and some commercial aspects are also noted. The history of black powder and pyrotechnics are a very informative read.

This is not a formulations book (i.e., the Anarchists' Cookbook, etc.). While it does have some laboratory procedures in it, they are written at a technical level, and without some knowledge of chemistry, it may be difficult to reproduce them.

The material is a little dated, as many of the explosives discovered after 1943 are left out (HMX, CL-20, etc.), but the explosives field is a very mature one, and the material herein is still quite good.

The pyrotechnics are of the 1940s vintage, where mercury, lead and arsenic salts were still in common use, and some other safety considerations were not in place. This book isn't a great place to try and build a library of formulations from, but it is good for the historical aspect.

Overall, the book is very well written and an interesting read. I enjoyed reading it both for the quality of writing and the witty humor interjected by Davis at times. I would highly recommend it to any chemists in the energetic materials world, as well as those interested in the history or chemistry of explosives.

An exellent introduction to Powder & Explosives4
I'm still reading the book. The truth is that its not what I was expecting, because the book was written about 194X during WW2, I had no idea until I recieved it! But its a very good introduction to the subject as it details the evolution throughout the years (of course, until 194X)

Pairs Trading: Quantitative Methods and Analysis (Wiley Finance) by Ganapathy Vidyamurthy

Product Description

The first in-depth analysis of pairs trading
Pairs trading is a market-neutral strategy in its most simple form. The strategy involves being long (or bullish) one asset and short (or bearish) another. If properly performed, the investor will gain if the market rises or falls. Pairs Trading reveals the secrets of this rigorous quantitative analysis program to provide individuals and investment houses with the tools they need to successfully implement and profit from this proven trading methodology. Pairs Trading contains specific and tested formulas for identifying and investing in pairs, and answers important questions such as what ratio should be used to construct the pairs properly.
Ganapathy Vidyamurthy (Stamford, CT) is currently a quantitative software analyst and developer at a major New York City hedge fund.
Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #195957 in Books
* Published on: 2004-08-30
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Hardcover
* 224 pages

Editorial Reviews

Download Description
The first in-depth analysis of pairs trading
Pairs trading is a market-neutral strategy in its most simple form. The strategy involves being long (or bullish) one asset and short (or bearish) another. If properly performed, the investor will gain if the market rises or falls. Pairs Trading reveals the secrets of this rigorous quantitative analysis program to provide individuals and investment houses with the tools they need to successfully implement and profit from this proven trading methodology. Pairs Trading contains specific and tested formulas for identifying and investing in pairs, and answers important questions such as what ratio should be used to construct the pairs properly.
Ganapathy Vidyamurthy (Stamford, CT) is currently a quantitative software analyst and developer at a major New York City hedge fund.

From the Inside Flap
Pairs trading is the simplest possible example of employing a market neutral strategy. It involves the trading of securities in pairs comprised of a long position in one security and a short position in the other. If performed properly, an investor will be in the ideal position of gaining in any situation-whether the market rises or falls.

Author Ganapathy Vidyamurthy examines two versions of pairs trading that arise in the context of statistical arbitrage and risk arbitrage. He offers a compelling point of view that integrates theory and practice-providing in-depth analysis and insight in both of these cases. Issues encountered when translating theory to practice are addressed in a direct manner, arming the investment professional with the quantitative tools needed to answer key questions relating to this type of trading.

Written in an easy, accessible style, the book is a seamless blend of ideas ranging from econometrics, control theory, and operations research to core financial theories like arbitrage pricing theory and the theory of contingent claims. It is organized in three information-packed parts. Part I sets the context for the rest of the book by introducing material on key topics including time series, factor models, and Kalman filtering.

Part II of the book details statistical arbitrage pairs, a relative value arbitrage based on the premise that there is a long-run equilibrium between the prices of the stocks comprising the pair. Part III moves on to illustrate the trading techniques and strategies associated with risk arbitrage. This widely practiced arbitrage technique involves pairs trading that arises in the context of corporate events, especially mergers and acquisitions. You'll also discover why-although they are called arbitrage strategies in the industry-they are by no means risk-free.

Pairs Trading contains specific and tested formulas for identifying and investing in pairs. To further facilitate an understanding of this method, a bulleted summary highlighting key points is provided at the end of every chapter. Peppered with humor and snippets of history, Pairs Trading provides a framework for and insights on applying rigorous analysis to trading pairs in the equity markets.

From the Back Cover
Comprised of three information-packed parts, Pairs Trading presents an in-depth look at the various aspects of these strategies and provides quantitative tools to assist in their analysis. The first part of this comprehensive resource sets the context for the rest of the book by introducing preliminary material on some key topics, including time series, factor models, and Kalman filtering.

After presenting the broad ideas and concepts of this trading method, Pairs Trading delves into two different versions of pairs trading in the equity markets-statistical arbitrage pairs trading and risk arbitrage. Part II of this book details statistical arbitrage pairs trading, which is a relative value arbitrage on two securities based on the premise that there is a long-run equilibrium between the prices of the stocks comprising the pair. Part III moves on to illustrate the trading techniques and strategies associated with risk arbitrage-the widely practiced arbitrage technique that involves pairs trading arising in the context of corporate events, especially mergers and acquisitions.

Written in a straightforward and accessible style, Pairs Trading provides a framework that will allow you to boost the bottom line of any portfolio.
Customer Reviews

Very interesting material4
It's a good read even with the somewhat unorthodox mathematical notation. The overall concept of pairs trading is introduced well, with just enough detail to tempt the more adventurous gambler. The author appears well versed in the subject and writes well but assumes a relatively high level of mathematical maturity on the part of the reader.

the only good introduction to pairs trades 5
When people talk about "quant" stuff, they are generally talking about two fairly distinct kinds of quant. There are the derivatives guys (options sell side & risk hedgers), and the 'statistical arbitrage' guys. This is one of the best books for a larval 'statistical arbitrage' guy. 'Statistical arbitrage' is a term referring to the techniques used by sophisticated hedge funds and trading desks to provide 'risk free' returns. I stick in the scare quotes around these phrases, because they're not really arbitrage, though they can be pretty decoupled from market returns. The techniques go well beyond just trading pairs, so the phrase, 'stat arb' is probably with us for good, even though it is often neither stat nor arb. The mean reverting versions of these techniques were largely invented by Nunzio Tartaglia and company (primarily Gerry Bamberger according to Thorp) at Morgan Stanley in the 1980s. Many of his underlings went on to found their own hedge funds, and the secret eventually became relatively common knowledge. Boesky was one of the more famous practitioners of merger arbitrage, which is an older, related technique.

This book is a fun introduction to 'statistical arbitrage,' concentrating on the standard "mean reverting pairs" variety, and a decent explanation of merger arbitrage which he unifies with mean reverting stat arb in an interesting way. These two strategies still form the basis of a large number of high frequency techniques in one form or another. In fact, the book provides enough background material to be useful for all kinds of techniques for finding alpha; it has a very clear treatment of factor models, time series analysis (best low level one I have ever read, anywhere) and what market neutrality is and isn't. He provides a decent amount of discussion of the complexities surrounding tradeability and other practical issues that get swept under the rug in most books.

Sure, there are a lot of specific 'stat arb' techniques he doesn't mention explicitly. He doesn't talk about basket trading plays, index arbitrage, volatility arbitrage or any of the other myriad clever (and often over my head) techniques used by sophisticated fund managers to vacuum up loose change that dumb people leave on the street. So what? Vidyamurthy gives you enough material you can go out and learn the practical details of real strategies on your own. If you're gifted enough, you can go figure them out (and more) for yourself once you understand the material in the book: they're mostly variations on these themes. Why should Vidyamurthy give away the keys to the kingdom for $100? Be happy he wrote the book at all. Presumably, he makes a living actually doing 'stat arb' type things, and his motivation was to have a book to give to his underlings so he didn't have to explain GARCH and cointegration to someone who breathes out of his mouth for the 9,000th time.

Anyone who can't read this book simply doesn't have the intellectual horsepower or attention span to do this kind of trading. The book is almost excruciatingly clear, it is very short, and even does the MBA's the favor of tucking the scary mathematics involving matrices and standard deviations safely away in chapter appendices. I mean, it even has cartoons and funny anecdotes (which are actually very funny: I detect a Wodehouse fan in Vidyamurthy). You have to actually pay attention while you read, and some sections, you may have to read twice. The concepts will not leap off the page and embed themselves into your frontal lobes, but it really isn't that difficult for any intelligent person to understand. I can think of no better introduction to pairs trading, or general alpha quant type stuff than this book. It should probably be on every wannabe quant or trader's desk if it isn't already etched into the fiber of their being.

Covers the right stuff but poorly written2
I was looking for books on stat arb and risk arb and was surprised that not many titles showed up for my search on Amazon. I eventually bought this book (a used copy) and although the book covers exactly the kind of stuff you want to learn about pairs trading, the writing is very poor and there are way too many places where the sentences don't make any sense, regardless of your math/stat background. This book is not a how-to book. It's a general treatise and not a good one at that. I cannot recommend this book. You may want to check out Tsay's financial time series analysis book which, although not specifically for pairs trading, has all the essential materials.