The present work is restricted to the representation of functions in the complex domain, particularly analytic functions, by sequences of polynomials or of more general rational functions whose poles are preassigned, the sequences being defined either by interpolation or by extremal properties (i.e. best approximation). Taylor's series plays a central role in this entire study, for it has properties of both interpolation and best approximation, and serves as a guide throughout the whole treatise. Indeed, almost every result given on the representation of functions is concerned with a generalization either of Taylor's series or of some property of Taylor's series--the title ``Generalizations of Taylor's Series'' would be appropriate.

This 1987 book examines the approximation of real functions by real rational functions. These are a more convenient tool than polynomials, and interest in them was growing, especially after D. Newman's work in the mid-sixties. The authors present the basic achievements of the subject and also discuss some topics from complex rational approximation.