The axioms of a complex Banach algebra were very happily chosen. They are simple enough to allow wide ranging fields of application, notably in harmonic analysis, operator theory and function algebras. At the same time they are tight enough to allow the development of a rich collection of results, mainly through the interplay of the elementary parts of the theories of analytic functions, rings, and Banach spaces. Many of the theorems are things of great beauty, simple in statement, surprising in content, and elegant in proof. We believe that some of them deserve to be known by every mathematician. The aim of this book is to give an account of the principal methods and results in the theory of Banach algebras, both commutative and non commutative. It has been necessary to apply certain exclusion principles in order to keep our task within bounds. Certain classes of concrete Banach algebras have a very rich literature, namely C*-algebras, function algebras, and group algebras. We have regarded these highly developed theories as falling outside our scope. We have not entirely avoided them, but have been concerned with their place in the general theory, and have stopped short of developing their special properties. For reasons of space and time we have omitted certain other topics which would quite naturally have been included, in particular the theories of multipliers and of extensions of Banach algebras, and the implications for Banach algebras of some of the standard algebraic conditions on rings.

The authors develop various applications, in particular to the study of Banach algebras where the numerical range provides an important link between the algebraic and metric structures.

This book constitutes a first- or second-year graduate course in operator theory. It is a field that has great importance for other areas of mathematics and physics, such as algebraic topology, differential geometry, and quantum mechanics. It assumes a basic knowledge in functional analysis but no prior acquaintance with operator theory is required.

Random Operator Theory provides a comprehensive discussion of the random norm of random bounded linear operators, also providing important random norms as random norms of differentiation operators and integral operators. After providing the basic definition of random norm of random bounded linear operators, the book then delves into the study of random operator theory, with final sections discussing the concept of random Banach algebras and its applications. - Explores random differentiation and random integral equations - Delves into the study of random operator theory - Discusses the concept of random Banach algebras and its applications

Banach algebras is a multilayered area in mathematics with many ramifications. With a diverse coverage of different schools working on the subject, this proceedings volume reflects recent achievements in areas such as Banach algebras over groups, abstract harmonic analysis, group actions, amenability, topological homology, Arens irregularity, C*-algebras and dynamical systems, operator theory, operator spaces, and locally compact quantum groups.