Albert Shiryaev

Initially the theory of convergence in law of stochastic processes was developed quite independently from the theory of martingales, semimartingales and stochastic integrals. Apart from a few exceptions essentially concerning diffusion processes, it is only recently that the relation between the two theories has been thoroughly studied. The authors of this Grundlehren volume, two of the international leaders in the field, propose a systematic exposition of convergence in law for stochastic processes, from the point of view of semimartingale theory, with emphasis on results that are useful for mathematical theory and mathematical statistics. This leads them to develop in detail some particularly useful parts of the general theory of stochastic processes, such as martingale problems, and absolute continuity or contiguity results. The book contains an introduction to the theory of martingales and semimartingales, random measures stochastic integrales, Skorokhod topology, etc., as well asa large number of results which have never appeared in book form, and some entirely new results. The second edition contains some additions to the text and references. Some parts are completely rewritten.

The book aims at disclosing a fascinating connection between optimal stoppingproblems in probability and free-boundary problems in analysis using minimal toolsand focusing on key examples. The general theory of optimal stopping is exposed at thelevel of basic principles in both discrete and continuous time covering martingale andMarkovian methods. Methods of solution explained range from classic ones (such aschange of time, change of space, change of measure) to more recent ones (such as localtime-space calculus and nonlinear integral equations). A detailed chapter on stochasticprocesses is included making the material more accessible to a wider cross-disciplinaryaudience. The book may be viewed as an ideal compendium for an interested readerwho wishes to master stochastic calculus via fundamental examples.Areas of application where examples are worked out in full detail include financialmathematics (American, Russian, Asian options), financial engineering (optimalprediction of the ultimate maximum), mathematical statistics (sequential testing,quickest detection), and stochastic analysis (fundamental inequalities).Large portions of the text were not exposed in abook format before. The book also suggests anumber of new avenues for research.

Initially the theory of convergence in law of stochastic processes was developed quite independently from the theory of martingales, semimartingales and stochastic integrals. Apart from a few exceptions essentially concerning diffusion processes, it is only recently that the relation between the two theories has been thoroughly studied. The authors of this Grundlehren volume, two of the international leaders in the field, propose a systematic exposition of convergence in law for stochastic processes, from the point of view of semimartingale theory, with emphasis on results that are useful for mathematical theory and mathematical statistics. This leads them to develop in detail some particularly useful parts of the general theory of stochastic processes, such as martingale problems, and absolute continuity or contiguity results. The book contains an introduction to the theory of martingales and semimartingales, random measures stochastic integrales, Skorokhod topology, etc., as well asa large number of results which have never appeared in book form, and some entirely new results. The second edition contains some additions to the text and references. Some parts are completely rewritten.