Book excerpt: This title examines traditional insurance risks such as earthquakes, storms, terrorist attacks, and other disasters. It begins with a discussion of how the risk of such 'acts of God and men' impact on our lives, health, and possessions. It then proceeds to introduce the statistical techniques necessary for analysing these uncertainties. The book guides readers through the methods available for identifying and measuring such risks, financing their consequences, and forecasting their future behaviour (within the limits of science).