Geometric control theory is concerned with the evolution of systems subject to physical laws but having some degree of freedom through which motion is to be controlled. This book describes the mathematical theory inspired by the irreversible nature of time evolving events. The first part of the book deals with the issue of being able to steer the system from any point of departure to any desired destination. The second part deals with optimal control, the question of finding the best possible course. An overlap with mathematical physics is demonstrated by the Maximum principle, a fundamental principle of optimality arising from geometric control, which is applied to time-evolving systems governed by physics as well as to man-made systems governed by controls. Applications are drawn from geometry, mechanics, and control of dynamical systems. The geometric language in which the results are expressed allows clear visual interpretations and makes the book accessible to physicists and engineers as well as to mathematicians.

Review of the hardback:‘… should find a place on the reading lists for all graduate courses which contain this aspect of control theory.’

D. J. Bell - UMIST

Review of the hardback:‘Without doubt the book is extremely well written, and the intrinsically geometric nature of the language through which fundamental concepts are expressed lends itself to the clear visual representations which will appeal to scientists and engineers.’

Peter Larcombe Source: Mathematics Today

Review of the hardback:‘… the book will be of interest to physicists and engineers … it should be attractive for mathematicians …’.

Source: European Mathematical Society

Review of the hardback:‘… an important reference for graduate students and mathematicians … well written, almost self-contained, and easy to read.’

M. F. Silva Leite Source: Zentralblatt MATH