This monograph presents a complete and self-contained solution to the long-standing problem of giving a geometric description of state spaces of C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras, and of their Jordan algebraic analogs (JB-algebras and JBW-algebras). The material, which previously has appeared only in research papers and required substantial prerequisites for a reader's understanding, is made accessible here to a broad mathematical audience. Key features include: The properties used to describe state spaces are primarily of a geometric nature, but many can also be interpreted in terms of physics. There are numerous remarks discussing these connections * A quick introduction to Jordan algebras is given; no previous knowledge is assumed and all necessary background on the subject is given * A discussion of dynamical correspondences, which tie together Lie and Jordan structures, and relate the observables and the generators of time evolution in physics * The connection with Connes' notions of orientation and homogeneity in cones is explained * Chapters conclude with notes placing the material in historical context * Prerequisites are standard graduate courses in real and complex variables, measure theory, and functional analysis * Excellent bibliography and index In the authors' previous book, "State Spaces of Operator Algebras: Basic Theory, Orientations and C*-products" (ISBN 0-8176-3890-3), the role of orientations was examined and all the prerequisites on C*- algebras and von Neumann algebras, needed for this work, were provided in detail. These requisites, as well as all relevant definitions and results with reference back to State Spaces, are summarized in an appendix, further emphasizing the self-contained nature of this work. "Geometry of State Spaces of Operator Algebras" is intended for specialists in operator algebras, as well as graduate students and
From the reviews:
"The two books together provide a predominantly self-contained presentation of the geometric theory of operator algebra state spaces, culminating in the classification theorem of Alfsen, Hanche–Olsen and Shultz. Until now much of this material has been accessible only in the original papers, which makes the two volumes a welcome addition to the literature. . . . The result is a clear and comprehensive account. . . . the book describes a beautiful solution to a problem dating back to the foundations of the subject."
―MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS
"Notable results...are presented in this book in a unified way, with complete and enlightening proofs and comments. The authors have done fine work for the mathematical community, providing a valuable toolkit for researchers interested in non-associative structures, self-adjoint operator algebras, or areas of functional analysis or mathematical physics where aspects related to convexity and ordered spaces appear...."
―ZENTRALBLATT MATH
"The aim of the present book is to give a complete geometric description of the state spaces of operator algebras, meaning to give axiomatic characterizations of those convex sets that are state spaces ... . The book is divided into three parts. ... It is aimed to specialists in operator algebras, graduate students and mathematicians working in other areas (mathematical physics, foundation of quantum mechanics).” (S. Cobzas, Mathematica, Vol. 46 (2), 2004)
"The authors of this monograph present a complete and self-contained solution to the long-standing problem of giving a geometric description of state spaces ... . There also are an Appendix, a Bibliography containing 137 references, and an Index. The material, which previously has appeared only in research papers ... is made accessible here to a broad mathematical audience. ... The book under review is intended for specialists in operator algebras, as well as graduate students and mathematicians in other areas.” (Radu Iordanescu, Revue Roumaine de Mathématiques Pures et Appliquées, Vol. XLIX (3), 2004)
