From the reviews: The volume under review is supposed to cover basics on operator algebras ! . Blackadar's book is very well written and pleasant to read. It is especially suited to readers who already know the basics of operator algebras but who need a reference for some result or who wish to have a unified approach to topics treated by them. (Paul Jolissaint, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 k) This volume is an important and useful contribution to the literature on C*-algebras and von Neumann algebras. ! The book is extremely well written. It can be recommended as a reference to graduate students working in operator algebra theory and to other mathematicians who want to bring themselves up-to-date on the subject. (V. M. Manuilov, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1092 (18), 2006)