W. H. Schikhof

Non-Archimedean functional analysis, where alternative but equally valid number systems such as p-adic numbers are fundamental, is a fast-growing discipline widely used not just within pure mathematics, but also applied in other sciences, including physics, biology and chemistry. This book is the first to provide a comprehensive treatment of non-Archimedean locally convex spaces. The authors provide a clear exposition of the basic theory, together with complete proofs and new results from the latest research. A guide to the many illustrative examples provided, end-of-chapter notes and glossary of terms all make this book easily accessible to beginners at the graduate level, as well as specialists from a variety of disciplines.

This is an introduction to p-adic analysis which is elementary yet complete and which displays the variety of applications of the subject. Dr Schikhof is able to point out and explain how p-adic and 'real' analysis differ. This approach guarantees the reader quickly becomes acquainted with this equally 'real' analysis and appreciates its relevance. The reader's understanding is enhanced and deepened by the large number of exercises included throughout; these both test the reader's grasp and extend the text in interesting directions. As a consequence, this book will become a standard reference for professionals (especially in p-adic analysis, number theory and algebraic geometry) and will be welcomed as a textbook for advanced students of mathematics familiar with algebra and analysis.

"Contains research articles by nearly 40 leading mathematicians from North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, presented at the Fourth International Conference on p-adic Functional Analysis held recently in Nijmegen, The Netherlands. Includes numerous new open problems documented with extensive comments and references."

When considering a mathematical theorem one ought not only to know how to prove it but also why and whether any given conditions are necessary. All too often little attention is paid to to this side of the theory and in writing this account of the theory of real functions the authors hope to rectify matters. They have put the classical theory of real functions in a modern setting and in so doing have made the mathematical reasoning rigorous and explored the theory in much greater depth than is customary. The subject matter is essentially the same as that of ordinary calculus course and the techniques used are elementary (no topology, measure theory or functional analysis). Thus anyone who is acquainted with elementary calculus and wishes to deepen their knowledge should read this.