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This volume attempts to give a comprehensive discussion of the theory of operator algebras (C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. ) The volume is intended to serve two purposes: to record the standard theory in the Encyc- pedia of Mathematics, and to serve as an introduction and standard reference for the specialized volumes in the series on current research topics in the subject. Since there are already numerous excellent treatises on various aspects of thesubject,howdoesthisvolumemakeasigni?cantadditiontotheliterature, and how does it di?er from the other books in the subject? In short, why another book on operator algebras? The answer lies partly in the ?rst paragraph above. More importantly, no other single reference covers all or even almost all of the material in this volume. I have tried to cover all of the main aspects of "standard" or "clas- cal" operator algebra theory; the goal has been to be, well, encyclopedic. Of course, in a subject as vast as this one, authors must make highly subjective judgments as to what to include and what to omit, as well as what level of detail to include, and I have been guided as much by my own interests and prejudices as by the needs of the authors of the more specialized volumes.
List of contents
Operators on Hilbert Space.- C*-Algebras.- Von Neumann Algebras.- Further Structure.- K-Theory and Finiteness.
Summary
This volume attempts to give a comprehensive discussion of the theory of operator algebras (C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. ) The volume is intended to serve two purposes: to record the standard theory in the Encyc- pedia of Mathematics, and to serve as an introduction and standard reference for the specialized volumes in the series on current research topics in the subject. Since there are already numerous excellent treatises on various aspects of thesubject,howdoesthisvolumemakeasigni?cantadditiontotheliterature, and how does it di?er from the other books in the subject? In short, why another book on operator algebras? The answer lies partly in the ?rst paragraph above. More importantly, no other single reference covers all or even almost all of the material in this volume. I have tried to cover all of the main aspects of “standard” or “clas- cal” operator algebra theory; the goal has been to be, well, encyclopedic. Of course, in a subject as vast as this one, authors must make highly subjective judgments as to what to include and what to omit, as well as what level of detail to include, and I have been guided as much by my own interests and prejudices as by the needs of the authors of the more specialized volumes.
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From the reviews:
"The volume under review is supposed to cover basics on operator algebras … . Blackadar’s book is very well written and pleasant to read. It is especially suited to readers who already know the basics of operator algebras but who need a reference for some result or who wish to have a unified approach to topics treated by them." (Paul Jolissaint, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 k)
"This volume is an important and useful contribution to the literature on C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. … The book is extremely well written. It can be recommended as a reference to graduate students working in operator algebra theory and to other mathematicians who want to bring themselves up-to-date on the subject." (V. M. Manuilov, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1092 (18), 2006)
Report
From the reviews:
"The volume under review is supposed to cover basics on operator algebras ... . Blackadar's book is very well written and pleasant to read. It is especially suited to readers who already know the basics of operator algebras but who need a reference for some result or who wish to have a unified approach to topics treated by them." (Paul Jolissaint, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 k)
"This volume is an important and useful contribution to the literature on C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. ... The book is extremely well written. It can be recommended as a reference to graduate students working in operator algebra theory and to other mathematicians who want to bring themselves up-to-date on the subject." (V. M. Manuilov, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1092 (18), 2006)
