Compared to the previous edition where the quantum theoretic development of the subject was chosen from the very beginning, the present edition chooses the classical theory as the launching pad by introducing a number of key concepts so as to make the subject accessible to a wider section of readers. At the same time, the technical soundness of presentation has been raised to a higher level by way of using the concepts of the mixed state and the reduced state as the basic building blocks of the theory and of relating equilibrium statistical mechanics to the long-term time evolution of the reduced state. The author avoids technically rigorous, formal analysis in favour of offering a clear understanding at a semi-intuitive level. The book combines soundness of presentation with lucidity, so essential for the student aiming at a serious but enjoyable first exposure to the subject.\n