The Elements of Operator Theory

Preface.- Set Theoretic Structures.- Algebraic Structures.- Topological Structures.- Banach Spaces.- Hilbert Spaces.- The Spectral Theorem.- References.- Index.

Carlos Kubrusly's research deals with Hilbert-space operators, focusing on the Invariant Subspace Problem and its connection with the characterization of weakly and strongly stable operators. The author has published several books, including An Introduction to Models and Decompositions in Operator Theory, Elements of Operator Theory, Hilbert Space Operators: A Problem Solving Approach, and Measure Theory: A First Course.

"The Elements of Operator Theory is a very good treatment of some of the mainstays of functional analysis. It's the book's second edition, the first dating back a decade. But it is also quite an unusual book in the sense that it starts with very elementary material indeed, and, proceeding linearly...takes the reader all the way to the spectral theorem, or at least through the case of compact operators (and compact normal operators). Kubrusly finishes the book with "A Glimpse at the General Case." This is consistent with the fact that while he explicitly aims his treatment at graduate students in mathematics, Kubrusly is also concerned with providing a self-contained reference to fellow travelers.

...Kubrusly's treatment is wonderful. The book is very thorough and clear, and very accessible: it is easy to read even as the material discussed is treated very seriously.

...It certainly would serve beautifully as a text for advanced undergraduates. For beginning graduate students, its utility certainly resides in its clarity and accessibility...Kubrusly includes on the order of 300 exercises in the book, there are many good examples, and he takes the trouble to add both the right kind and amount of motivating commentary and discussions of what might be hiding around the next corner.

The Elements of Operator Theory is quite a good book."

-MAA Reviews (review of the second edition)

"The author endeavors to present the concepts and ideas as an alternative to the computational approach, trying to avoid long calculations by stressing the mathematical thoughts behind the statements. . . . many problems [are] stated throughout the book, very often accompanied by hints."

-Mathematical Reviews (review of the first edition)