Banach algebras combine algebraic and analytical aspects: it is the interplay of these structures that gives the subject its fascination. This volume expounds the general theory of Banach algebras, and shows how their topology is often determined by their algebraic structure: the central questions ask when homomorphisms and derivations from Banach algebras are automatically continuous, and seek canonical forms for these maps. The book synthesizes work over the last 20 years, and givesa definitive account; there are many new and unpublished results. The book describes many specific classes of Banach algebras, including function algebras, group algebras, algebras of operators, C*-algebras, and radical Banach algebras; it is a compendium of results on these examples. The subject interweaves algebra, functional analysis, and complex analysis, and has a dash of set theory and logic; the background in all these areas is fully explained. This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in any aspect of this vast subject.

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This second of two volumes gives a modern exposition of the theory of Banach algebras.

Modern local spectral theory is built on the classical spectral theorem, a fundamental result in single-operator theory and Hilbert spaces. This book provides an in-depth introduction to the natural expansion of this fascinating topic of Banach space operator theory. It gives complete coverage of the field, including the fundamental recent work by Albrecht and Eschmeier which provides the full duality theory for Banach space operators. One of its highlights are the many characterizations of decomposable operators, and of other related, important classes of operators, including identifications of distinguished parts, and results on permanence properties of spectra with respect to several types of similarity. Written in a careful and detailed style, it contains numerous examples, many simplified proofs of classical results, extensive references, and open problems, suitable for continued research.