This comprehensive introduction to the calculus of variations and its main principles also presents their real-life applications in various contexts: mathematical physics, differential geometry, and optimization in economics. Based on the authors' original work, it provides an overview of the field, with examples and exercises suitable for graduate students entering research. The method of presentation will appeal to readers with diverse backgrounds in functional analysis, differential geometry and partial differential equations. Each chapter includes detailed heuristic arguments, providing thorough motivation for the material developed later in the text. Since much of the material has a strong geometric flavor, the authors have supplemented the text with figures to illustrate the abstract concepts. Its extensive reference list and index also make this a valuable resource for researchers working in a variety of fields who are interested in partial differential equations and functional analysis.

'… an original attempt to rigorously introduce the principles of the calculus of variations underlying some interesting problems coming from various contexts: mathematical physics, geometry and optimization in economics. The main emphasis is placed on selected topics and their potential applications, since most of them have not been treated before in existing monographs.'

Source: Mathematical Reviews

'The interesting method of presentation of the book, with extensive reference list and index, make me believe that the book will be appreciated by mathematicians, engineers, economists, physicists, and all scientists interested in variational methods and in their applications.'

Source: Zentralblatt MATH