Drawn from lectures given by Raghavan Narasimhan at the University of Geneva and the University of Chicago, this book presents the part of the theory of several complex variables pertaining to unramified domains over C . Topics discussed are Hartogs' theory, domains in holomorphy, and automorphism of bounded domains.

​​​This monograph provides a concise, accessible snapshot of key topics in several complex variables, including the Cauchy Integral Formula, sequences of holomorphic functions, plurisubharmonic functions, the Dirichlet problem, and meromorphic functions. Based on a course given at Université de Montréal, this brief introduction covers areas of contemporary importance that are not mentioned in most treatments of the subject, such as modular forms, which are essential for Wiles' theorem and the unification of quantum theory and general relativity. Also covered is the Riemann manifold of a function, which generalizes the Riemann surface of a function of a single complex variable and is a topic that is well-known in one complex variable, but rarely treated in several variables. Many details, which are intentionally left out, as well as many theorems are stated as problems, providing students with carefully structured instructive exercises. Prerequisites for use of this book are functions of one complex variable, functions of several real variables, and topology, all at the undergraduate level. Lectures on Several Complex Variables will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and beginning undergraduate students, as well as mathematical researchers and professors.

The present book grew out of introductory lectures on the theory offunctions of several variables. Its intent is to make the reader familiar, by the discussion of examples and special cases, with the most important branches and methods of this theory, among them, e.g., the problems of holomorphic continuation, the algebraic treatment of power series, sheaf and cohomology theory, and the real methods which stem from elliptic partial differential equations. In the first chapter we begin with the definition of holomorphic functions of several variables, their representation by the Cauchy integral, and their power series expansion on Reinhardt domains. It turns out that, in l:ontrast ~ 2 there exist domains G, G c en to the theory of a single variable, for n with G c G and G "# G such that each function holomorphic in G has a continuation on G. Domains G for which such a G does not exist are called domains of holomorphy. In Chapter 2 we give several characterizations of these domains of holomorphy (theorem of Cartan-Thullen, Levi's problem). We finally construct the holomorphic hull H(G} for each domain G, that is the largest (not necessarily schlicht) domain over en into which each function holomorphic on G can be continued.

Excerpt from Lectures Introductory to the Theory of Functions of Two Complex Variables: Delivered to the University of Calcutta, During January and February 1913 HE present volume consists substantially of a course of lectures which, by special invitation of the authorities. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

'Kiyoshi Oka, at the beginning of his research, regarded the collection of problems which he encountered in the study of domains of holomorphy as large mountains which separate today and tomorrow. Thus, he believed that there could be no essential progress in analysis without climbing over these mountains ... this book is a worthwhile initial step for the reader in order to understand the mathematical world which was created by Kiyoshi Oka.' -- from the Preface. This book explains results in the theory of functions of several complex variables which were mostly established from the late nineteenth century through to the middle of the twentieth century. In the work, the author introduces the mathematical world created by his advisor, Kiyoshi Oka. In this volume, Oka's work is divided into two parts. The first is the study of analytic functions in univalent domains in ${\mathbf C}n$. Here Oka proved that three concepts are equivalent: domains of holomorphy, holomorphically convex domains, and pseudoconvex domains; and moreover that the Poincaré problem, the Cousin problems, and the Runge problem, when stated properly, can be solved in domains of holomorphy satisfying the appropriate conditions. The second part of Oka's work established a method for the study of analytic functions defined in a ramified domain over ${\mathbf C}n$ in which the branch points are considered as interior points of the domain. Here analytic functions in an analytic space are treated, which is a slight generalization of a ramified domain over ${\mathbf C}n$. In writing the book, the author's goal was to bring to readers a real understanding of Oka's original papers. This volume is an English translation of the original Japanese edition, published by the University of Tokyo Press (Japan). It would make a suitable course text for advanced graduate level introductions to several complex variables.

Emphasizing integral formulas, the geometric theory of pseudoconvexity, estimates, partial differential equations, approximation theory, inner functions, invariant metrics, and mapping theory, this title is intended for the student with a background in real and complex variable theory, harmonic analysis, and differential equations.