Function theory (Q5894744)

This textbook is the first of two volumes devoted to the theory of functions of a complex variable. The intention of the authors is to cover essentially the same material as C. L. Siegel's classical three-volumes, ``Topics in complex function theory'' (1988; Zbl 0635.30001 and Zbl 0635.30002). The first four chapters are devoted to a modern treatment of basic complex function theory, including such topics as the Riemann mapping theorem for planar domains and the theorem of Mittag-Leffler. Although the approach is essentially standard it has carried through elegantly and the text is enriched by a large number of applications, examples and exercises. These are largely from the area of classical analysis and the theory of Fourier series and have clearly been chosen with a view to the later applications. The last three chapters are devoted to elliptic functions, elliptic modular functions and `analytic number theory'. The first of these give the student a rounded and comprehensive introduction to these areas. The final chapter continues the investigation of modular forms as far as associating Dirichlet series to them. It then turns to the Riemann zeta function and the prime-number theorem. Whereas the first four chapters form an excellent basis for a course in complex function theory these later chapters will be chiefly useful to students planning to specialize in this area. This book provides an excellent textbook both for the teacher and for talented students.