The Mathematical Theory of Communication

Scientific knowledge grows at a phenomenal pace-but few books have had as lasting an impact or played as important a role in our modern world asThe Mathematical Theory of Communication, published originally as a paper on communication theory in theBell System Technical Journalmore than fifty years ago. Republished in book form shortly thereafter, it has since gone through four hardcover and sixteen paperback printings. It is a revolutionary work, astounding in its foresight and contemporaneity. The University of Illinois Press is pleased and honored to issue this commemorative reprinting of a classic.

Claude E. Shannon is retired from his position as research mathematician at the Bell Telephone Laboratories. From 1958 to 1978 he was also Donner Professor of Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.