Welcome

Monty the Null Hippopotamus offers a revolutionary approach to introductory statistics designed for students who grew up in the computing age. Breaking away from the traditional formula–memorization approach that makes “Stat 101” a dreaded requirement, Monty emphasizes computational thinking and conceptual understanding through hands-on coding examples. The aim is to make statistics accessible and engaging by leveraging modern computing power rather than relying on memorizing inscrutable formulas, punching in tedious calculations into calculators, and flipping through pages of statistical tables.

Front cover

(Front cover: \mathcal{H}\mathrm{ipp}_0 art by Dave Higdon)
(Front cover: \(\mathcal{H}\mathrm{ipp}_0\) art by Dave Higdon)

Back cover

Covers foundational statistical concepts through advanced topics including nonparametric methods and regression analysis, all presented through a computational lens that prioritizes process over precision. Concepts are illustrated with coded examples ensuring readers develop genuine intuition for how statistical methods actually work in practice.

Features:

  • Emphasizes simulation and Monte Carlo methods over formula memorization
  • Every statistical concept illustrated with fully reproducible R code
  • Comprehensive coverage, from basic inference to nonparametrics and regression
  • Graduated homework exercises combining theory with real-world data analysis
  • More than thirty data sets supporting examples and homework exercises
  • Favors understanding over pedantry, with extensive web links and contextual references

Designed for undergraduate students comfortable with probability, calculus, and basic programming concepts. Serves as an ideal text for introductory statistics courses. Equally valuable for graduate students from non-statistical backgrounds seeking a modern foundation in statistical thinking. Narrative emphasizes active reading and coding practice rather than passive consumption, making it perfect for students who are ready to engage deeply with statistical concepts through hands-on exploration.

Dedication

Best fam ever

Leah, Natalia, Kaspar

Access, content and errata

This book is published by CRC Press in the Statistics Texts Series. You can buy the book from CRC Press, or Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

  • An electronic “print version” is available, however please consider buying a copy in print form.
  • The book webpage contains links to data files and other supplementary code and material, including Python code for many examples.
  • Comments/corrections by email are much appreciated. Updates to the the HTML version are made as comments come in, so errata corrections apply to the official print/PDF version only.
  • More details on content and style are outlined in the Preface.

Please use the BibTeX entry below for citation.

@book{gramacy2026hipp0,
  title = {Monty, the {N}ull {H}ippopotamus: {E}xploring {S}tatistical 
    {F}oundations {T}hrough {S}imulation},
  author = {Robert B. Gramacy},
  publisher = {Chapman Hall/CRC},
  address = {Boca Raton, Florida},
  note = {\url{http://bobby.gramacy.com/hipp0/}},
  year = {2026}
}