Nikolaï Nikolski is Professor Emeritus at the Université de Bordeaux, working primarily in analysis and operator theory. He has been co-editor of four international journals, editor of more than fifteen books, and published numerous articles and research monographs. He has also supervised twenty-six Ph.D. students, including three Salem Prize winners. Professor Nikolski was elected Fellow of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) in 2013 and received the Prix Ampère of the French Academy of Sciences in 2010.
'The author's love for all facets of the topic and his distinctive sense for culture and history resulted in a book of unique charm. The reader will enjoy a captivating journey from the historical roots up to the latest achievements of a fascinating field of concrete operator theory. An excellent source and a true treat for both beginners and professionals!' Albrecht Boettcher, Technische Universitat Chemnitz, Germany `The author's love for all facets of the topic and his distinctive sense for culture and history resulted in a book of unique charm. The reader will enjoy a captivating journey from the historical roots up to the latest achievements of a fascinating field of concrete operator theory. An excellent source and a true treat for both beginners and professionals!' Albrecht Boettcher, Technische Universitat Chemnitz, Germany