Characterizations of C* Algebras

The first unified in-depth discussion of the now classical Gelfand-Naimark theorems thiscomprehensive text assesses the current status of modern analysis regarding both Banachand C*-algebras.Characterizations of C*-Algebras: The Gelfand-Naimark Theorems focuses on general theoryand basic properties in accordance with readers' needs ... provides complete proofs of theGelfand-Naimark theorems as well as refinements and extensions of the original axioms. . . gives applications of the theorems to topology harmonic analysis. operator theory.group representations and other topics ... treats Hermitian and symmetric *-algebras.algebras with and without identity and algebras with arbitrary (possibly discontinuous)involutions . . . includes some 300 end-of-chapter exercises . . . offers appendices on functionalanalysis and Banach algebras ... and contains numerous examples and over 400 referencesthat illustrate important concepts and encourage further research.Characterizations of C*-Algebras: The Gelfand-Naimark Theorems is an ideal text for graduatestudents taking such courses as The Theory of Banach Algebras and C*-Algebras: inaddition it makes an outstanding reference for physicists research mathematicians in analysisand applied scientists using C*-algebras in such areas as statistical mechanics quantumtheory. and physical chemistry.