Recommendations for good description of Fourier Theory & DFT?

Question

Does anyone have a favorite "go-to" paper, web site, etc., for explaining the basics behind Fourier theory / discrete Fourier transforms?

I am not overly inclined mathematically, and while I know this particular domain requires some math skills I'm hoping for documentation that eases me into it so I have some understanding of intent by the time I have to understand the equations. I have been hunting around on Google for some time without success.

(I am aware of this question but want to understand the theory/math and not just use an implementation.)

Answer 1

Stanford SEE has a course on the FFT online. (list of Stanford SEE courses)

Answer 2

There are some excellent introductory articles at complextoreal.com, that give a good overview before getting into the mathematics. Tutorials 4-6 deal with Fourier theory and should be perfectly comprehensible if you studied maths at school.

Answer 3

If you want a book that is both very accessible to non-mathematicians and provides good coverage of larger Fourier theory, I'd recommend "Who is Fourier?"

http://www.amazon.com/Who-Fourier-Mathematical-Transnational-College/dp/0964350408

It's a math book like few others -- it blurs the boundaries between narrative and expository formats, and there's a conscious choice to avoid most of the density involved in conventional math texts. Lots of illustrations.

Some technical people feel pandered or talked-down to, though -- you can find a negative review on Amazon where the reviewer recommended a Schaum's Outline instead. :)