Banach Algebras and the General Theory of *-Algebras

This Is The First Volume Of A Two Volume Set That Provides A Modern Account Of Basic Banach Algebra Theory Including All Known Results On General Banach *-Algebras. This Account Emphasises The Role Of *-Algebra Structure And Explores The Algebraic Results Which Underlie The Theory Of Banach Algebras And *-Algebras. This First Volume Is An Independent Self-Contained Reference On Banach Algebra Theory. Each Topic Is Treated In The Maximum Interesting Generality Within The Framework Of Some Class Complex Algebras Rather Than Topological Algebras. In Both Volumes Proofs Are Presented In Complete Detail At A Level Accessible To Graduate Students. In Addition The Books Contain A Wealth Of Historical Comments Background Material Examples Particularly In Noncommutative Harmonic Analysis And An Extensive Bibliography. Together These Books Will Become The Standard Reference For The General Theory Of *-Algebras.