Tata lectures on theta. II: Jacobian theta functions and differential equations. With the collaboration of C. Musili, M. Nori, E. Previato, M. Stillman, and H. Umemura (Q5898305)

The book under review is the unaltered reprint of the second volume of D. Mumford's classic ``Tata Lectures on Theta'', the first edition of which was published in 1984 and extensively reviewed by \textit{S. Koizumi} back then (Zbl 0549.14014). Now as before this volume contains the (entirely uncorrected) Chapters IIIa and IIIb of Mumford's notes, and, as for their detailed contents, we may therefore completely refer to Koizumi's expert review. However, it is worthwile to be recalled that this second volume particularly stresses the important connection between classical analytic theta functions, Jacobians of algebraic curves, and nonlinear partial differential equations of mathematical physics, with a special emphasis on the geometry of Jacobians of hyperelliptic curves, its applications to dynamical systems of Korteweg-de Vries type, and the crucial Fay's Trisecant Identity for theta functions. These topics, embedded in the wider context of (generalized) Krichever theory, are still a vivid part of current research in the field, and Mumford's notes on them represent therefore a true treasure of highest actuality and power of inspiration. No doubt, Mumford's masterly lectures on theta functions and their (modern) applications to geometry, analysis, and mathematical physics will remain a standard text on this fascinating subject, very much to the benefit of new generations of students, teachers, scholars, and active researchers.