The theory of complex analytic sets is part of the modern geometrical theory of functions of several complex variables. A wide circle of problems in multidimensional complex analysis, related to holomorphic functions and maps, can be reformulated in terms of analytic sets. In these reformulations additional phenomena may emerge, while for the proofs new methods are necessary. (As an example we can mention the boundary properties of conformal maps of domains in the plane, which may be studied by means of the boundary properties of the graphs of such maps.) The theory of complex analytic sets is a relatively young branch of complex analysis. Basically, it was developed to fulfill the need of the theory of functions of several complex variables, but for a long time its development was, so to speak, within the framework of algebraic geometry - by analogy with algebraic sets. And although at present the basic methods of the theory of analytic sets are related with analysis and geometry, the foundations of the theory are expounded in the purely algebraic language of ideals in commutative algebras. In the present book I have tried to eliminate this noncorrespondence and to give a geometric exposition of the foundations of the theory of complex analytic sets, using only classical complex analysis and a minimum of algebra (well-known properties of polynomials of one variable). Moreover, it must of course be taken into consideration that algebraic geometry is one of the most important domains of application of the theory of analytic sets, and hence a lot of attention is given in the present book to algebraic sets.

facts. An elementary acquaintance with topology, algebra, and analysis (in cluding the notion of a manifold) is sufficient as far as the understanding of this book is concerned. All the necessary properties and theorems have been gathered in the preliminary chapters -either with proofs or with references to standard and elementary textbooks. The first chapter of the book is devoted to a study of the rings Oa of holomorphic functions. The notions of analytic sets and germs are introduced in the second chapter. Its aim is to present elementary properties of these objects, also in connection with ideals of the rings Oa. The case of principal germs (§5) and one-dimensional germs (Puiseux theorem, §6) are treated separately. The main step towards understanding of the local structure of analytic sets is Ruckert's descriptive lemma proved in Chapter III. Among its conse quences is the important Hilbert Nullstellensatz (§4). In the fourth chapter, a study of local structure (normal triples, § 1) is followed by an exposition of the basic properties of analytic sets. The latter includes theorems on the set of singular points, irreducibility, and decom position into irreducible branches (§2). The role played by the ring 0 A of an analytic germ is shown (§4). Then, the Remmert-Stein theorem on re movable singularities is proved (§6). The last part of the chapter deals with analytically constructible sets (§7).

Basic treatment includes existence theorem for solutions of differential systems where data is analytic, holomorphic functions, Cauchy's integral, Taylor and Laurent expansions, more. Exercises. 1973 edition.

An introduction to complex analysis for students with some knowledge of complex numbers from high school. It contains sixteen chapters, the first eleven of which are aimed at an upper division undergraduate audience. The remaining five chapters are designed to complete the coverage of all background necessary for passing PhD qualifying exams in complex analysis. Topics studied include Julia sets and the Mandelbrot set, Dirichlet series and the prime number theorem, and the uniformization theorem for Riemann surfaces, with emphasis placed on the three geometries: spherical, euclidean, and hyperbolic. Throughout, exercises range from the very simple to the challenging. The book is based on lectures given by the author at several universities, including UCLA, Brown University, La Plata, Buenos Aires, and the Universidad Autonomo de Valencia, Spain.