This is a graduate text in differentiable dynamical systems. It focuses on structural stability and hyperbolicity, a topic that is central to the field. Starting with the basic concepts of dynamical systems, analyzing the historic systems of the Smale horseshoe, Anosov toral automorphisms, and the solenoid attractor, the book develops the hyperbolic theory first for hyperbolic fixed points and then for general hyperbolic sets. The problems of stable manifolds, structural stability, and shadowing property are investigated, which lead to a highlight of the book, the $\Omega$-stability theorem of Smale.

While the content is rather standard, a key objective of the book is to present a thorough treatment for some tough material that has remained an obstacle to teaching and learning the subject matter. The treatment is straightforward and hence could be particularly suitable for self-study.

This book introduces the reader to some basic concepts of hyperbolic theory of dynamical systems with emphasis on structural stability. It is well written, the proofs are presented with great attention to details, and every chapter ends with a good collection of exercises. It is suitable for a semester-long course on the basics of dynamical systems.

—Yakov Pesin, Penn State University

Lan Wen's book is a thorough introduction to the “classical” theory of (uniformly) hyperbolic dynamics, updated in light of progress since Smale's seminal 1967 Bulletin article. The exposition is aimed at newcomers to the field and is clearly informed by the author's extensive experience teaching this material. A thorough discussion of some canonical examples and basic technical results culminates in the proof of the Omega-stability theorem and a discussion of structural stability. A fine basic text for an introductory dynamical systems course at the graduate level.

—Zbigniew Nitecki, Tufts University

Readership

Graduate students and research mathematicians interested in the hyperbolic theory of dynamical systems.