This book, together with Fundamentals of the Theory of Operator
Algebras. Volume II, Advanced Theory, Graduate Studies in
Mathematics, vol. 16, present an introduction to functional analysis
and the initial fundamentals of $C^*$- and von Neumann
algebra theory in a form suitable for both intermediate graduate
courses and self-study. The authors provide a clear account of the
introductory portions of this important and technically difficult
subject. Major concepts are sometimes presented from several points of
view; the account is leisurely when brevity would compromise
clarity. An unusual feature in a text at this level is the extent to
which it is self-contained; for example, it introduces all the
elementary functional analysis needed. The emphasis is on
teaching. Well supplied with exercises, the text assumes only basic
measure theory and topology. The book presents the possibility for the
design of numerous courses aimed at different audiences.
The book is intended for graduate students and research mathematicians,
and mathematical physicists interested in functional analysis, operator
algebras, and applications. It can also be used as a text for a graduate
course in any of these areas.
Praise for both volumes …
… these two volumes represent a
magnificent achievement. They will be an essential item on every
operator algebraist's bookshelves and will surely become the primary
source of instruction for research students in von Neumann algebra
theory.
—Bulletin of the London Mathematical
Society
Volumes I and II were published in 1982 and
1983. Since then they have quickly established themselves as The
Textbooks in operator algebra theory.
—Bulletin of the American Mathematical
Society
One of the splendid features of the original
two volumes is their large supply of exercises … which
illustrate the results of the text and expand its scope.
—L'Enseignement mathématique
Readership
Graduate students, research mathematicians, educators, and
mathematical physicists interested in functional analysis, operator algebras,
and applications.