The theory of operator spaces is very recent and can be described as a non-commutative Banach space theory. An 'operator space' is simply a Banach space with an embedding into the space B(H) of all bounded operators on a Hilbert space H. The first part of this book is an introduction with emphasis on examples that illustrate various aspects of the theory. The second part is devoted to applications to C*-algebras, with a systematic exposition of tensor products of C*-algebras. The third (and shorter) part of the book describes applications to non self-adjoint operator algebras, and similarity problems. In particular the author's counterexample to the 'Halmos problem' is presented, as well as work on the new concept of 'length' of an operator algebra. Graduate students and professional mathematicians interested in functional analysis, operator algebras and theoretical physics will find that this book has much to offer.

‘The tone of the book is quite informal, friendly and inviting. Even to experts in the field, a large proportion of the results, and certainly of the proofs, will be new and stimulating. … there are literally thousands of wonderful results and insights in the text which the reader will not find elsewhere. The book covers an incredible amount of ground, and makes use of some of the most exciting recent work in modern analysis. … It is a magnificent book: an enormous treasure trove, and a work of love and care by one of the great analysts of our time. All students and researchers in functional analysis should have a copy. Anybody planning to work in operator space theory will need to be thoroughly immersed in it.‘

Source: Proceedings of the Edinburgh Mathematical Society