Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables

Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables

Author: Junjiro Noguchi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2016-08-16

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 9811002916

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The purpose of this book is to present the classical analytic function theory of several variables as a standard subject in a course of mathematics after learning the elementary materials (sets, general topology, algebra, one complex variable). This includes the essential parts of Grauert–Remmert's two volumes, GL227(236) (Theory of Stein spaces) and GL265 (Coherent analytic sheaves) with a lowering of the level for novice graduate students (here, Grauert's direct image theorem is limited to the case of finite maps).The core of the theory is "Oka's Coherence", found and proved by Kiyoshi Oka. It is indispensable, not only in the study of complex analysis and complex geometry, but also in a large area of modern mathematics. In this book, just after an introductory chapter on holomorphic functions (Chap. 1), we prove Oka's First Coherence Theorem for holomorphic functions in Chap. 2. This defines a unique character of the book compared with other books on this subject, in which the notion of coherence appears much later.The present book, consisting of nine chapters, gives complete treatments of the following items: Coherence of sheaves of holomorphic functions (Chap. 2); Oka–Cartan's Fundamental Theorem (Chap. 4); Coherence of ideal sheaves of complex analytic subsets (Chap. 6); Coherence of the normalization sheaves of complex spaces (Chap. 6); Grauert's Finiteness Theorem (Chaps. 7, 8); Oka's Theorem for Riemann domains (Chap. 8). The theories of sheaf cohomology and domains of holomorphy are also presented (Chaps. 3, 5). Chapter 6 deals with the theory of complex analytic subsets. Chapter 8 is devoted to the applications of formerly obtained results, proving Cartan–Serre's Theorem and Kodaira's Embedding Theorem. In Chap. 9, we discuss the historical development of "Coherence".It is difficult to find a book at this level that treats all of the above subjects in a completely self-contained manner. In the present volume, a number of classical proofs are improved and simplified, so that the contents are easily accessible for beginning graduate students.


Book Synopsis Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables by : Junjiro Noguchi

Download or read book Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables written by Junjiro Noguchi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2016-08-16 with total page 407 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is to present the classical analytic function theory of several variables as a standard subject in a course of mathematics after learning the elementary materials (sets, general topology, algebra, one complex variable). This includes the essential parts of Grauert–Remmert's two volumes, GL227(236) (Theory of Stein spaces) and GL265 (Coherent analytic sheaves) with a lowering of the level for novice graduate students (here, Grauert's direct image theorem is limited to the case of finite maps).The core of the theory is "Oka's Coherence", found and proved by Kiyoshi Oka. It is indispensable, not only in the study of complex analysis and complex geometry, but also in a large area of modern mathematics. In this book, just after an introductory chapter on holomorphic functions (Chap. 1), we prove Oka's First Coherence Theorem for holomorphic functions in Chap. 2. This defines a unique character of the book compared with other books on this subject, in which the notion of coherence appears much later.The present book, consisting of nine chapters, gives complete treatments of the following items: Coherence of sheaves of holomorphic functions (Chap. 2); Oka–Cartan's Fundamental Theorem (Chap. 4); Coherence of ideal sheaves of complex analytic subsets (Chap. 6); Coherence of the normalization sheaves of complex spaces (Chap. 6); Grauert's Finiteness Theorem (Chaps. 7, 8); Oka's Theorem for Riemann domains (Chap. 8). The theories of sheaf cohomology and domains of holomorphy are also presented (Chaps. 3, 5). Chapter 6 deals with the theory of complex analytic subsets. Chapter 8 is devoted to the applications of formerly obtained results, proving Cartan–Serre's Theorem and Kodaira's Embedding Theorem. In Chap. 9, we discuss the historical development of "Coherence".It is difficult to find a book at this level that treats all of the above subjects in a completely self-contained manner. In the present volume, a number of classical proofs are improved and simplified, so that the contents are easily accessible for beginning graduate students.


Analytic Functions of Several Complex Variables

Analytic Functions of Several Complex Variables

Author: Robert C. Gunning

Publisher: American Mathematical Society

Published: 2022-08-25

Total Pages: 334

ISBN-13: 1470470667

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The theory of analytic functions of several complex variables enjoyed a period of remarkable development in the middle part of the twentieth century. After initial successes by Poincaré and others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the theory encountered obstacles that prevented it from growing quickly into an analogue of the theory for functions of one complex variable. Beginning in the 1930s, initially through the work of Oka, then H. Cartan, and continuing with the work of Grauert, Remmert, and others, new tools were introduced into the theory of several complex variables that resolved many of the open problems and fundamentally changed the landscape of the subject. These tools included a central role for sheaf theory and increased uses of topology and algebra. The book by Gunning and Rossi was the first of the modern era of the theory of several complex variables, which is distinguished by the use of these methods. The intention of Gunning and Rossi's book is to provide an extensive introduction to the Oka-Cartan theory and some of its applications, and to the general theory of analytic spaces. Fundamental concepts and techniques are discussed as early as possible. The first chapter covers material suitable for a one-semester graduate course, presenting many of the central problems and techniques, often in special cases. The later chapters give more detailed expositions of sheaf theory for analytic functions and the theory of complex analytic spaces. Since its original publication, this book has become a classic resource for the modern approach to functions of several complex variables and the theory of analytic spaces. Further information about this book, including updates, can be found at the following URL: www.ams.org/publications/authors/books/postpub/chel-368.


Book Synopsis Analytic Functions of Several Complex Variables by : Robert C. Gunning

Download or read book Analytic Functions of Several Complex Variables written by Robert C. Gunning and published by American Mathematical Society. This book was released on 2022-08-25 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The theory of analytic functions of several complex variables enjoyed a period of remarkable development in the middle part of the twentieth century. After initial successes by Poincaré and others in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the theory encountered obstacles that prevented it from growing quickly into an analogue of the theory for functions of one complex variable. Beginning in the 1930s, initially through the work of Oka, then H. Cartan, and continuing with the work of Grauert, Remmert, and others, new tools were introduced into the theory of several complex variables that resolved many of the open problems and fundamentally changed the landscape of the subject. These tools included a central role for sheaf theory and increased uses of topology and algebra. The book by Gunning and Rossi was the first of the modern era of the theory of several complex variables, which is distinguished by the use of these methods. The intention of Gunning and Rossi's book is to provide an extensive introduction to the Oka-Cartan theory and some of its applications, and to the general theory of analytic spaces. Fundamental concepts and techniques are discussed as early as possible. The first chapter covers material suitable for a one-semester graduate course, presenting many of the central problems and techniques, often in special cases. The later chapters give more detailed expositions of sheaf theory for analytic functions and the theory of complex analytic spaces. Since its original publication, this book has become a classic resource for the modern approach to functions of several complex variables and the theory of analytic spaces. Further information about this book, including updates, can be found at the following URL: www.ams.org/publications/authors/books/postpub/chel-368.


Elementary Theory of Analytic Functions of One or Several Complex Variables

Elementary Theory of Analytic Functions of One or Several Complex Variables

Author: Henri Cartan

Publisher: Courier Corporation

Published: 2013-04-22

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 0486318672

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Basic treatment includes existence theorem for solutions of differential systems where data is analytic, holomorphic functions, Cauchy's integral, Taylor and Laurent expansions, more. Exercises. 1973 edition.


Book Synopsis Elementary Theory of Analytic Functions of One or Several Complex Variables by : Henri Cartan

Download or read book Elementary Theory of Analytic Functions of One or Several Complex Variables written by Henri Cartan and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2013-04-22 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Basic treatment includes existence theorem for solutions of differential systems where data is analytic, holomorphic functions, Cauchy's integral, Taylor and Laurent expansions, more. Exercises. 1973 edition.


Function Theory of Several Complex Variables

Function Theory of Several Complex Variables

Author: Steven George Krantz

Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 586

ISBN-13: 0821827243

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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.


Book Synopsis Function Theory of Several Complex Variables by : Steven George Krantz

Download or read book Function Theory of Several Complex Variables written by Steven George Krantz and published by American Mathematical Soc.. This book was released on 2001 with total page 586 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.


Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables

Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables

Author: Junjiro Noguchi

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2018-06-15

Total Pages: 397

ISBN-13: 9789811091247

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The purpose of this book is to present the classical analytic function theory of several variables as a standard subject in a course of mathematics after learning the elementary materials (sets, general topology, algebra, one complex variable). This includes the essential parts of Grauert–Remmert's two volumes, GL227(236) (Theory of Stein spaces) and GL265 (Coherent analytic sheaves) with a lowering of the level for novice graduate students (here, Grauert's direct image theorem is limited to the case of finite maps).The core of the theory is "Oka's Coherence", found and proved by Kiyoshi Oka. It is indispensable, not only in the study of complex analysis and complex geometry, but also in a large area of modern mathematics. In this book, just after an introductory chapter on holomorphic functions (Chap. 1), we prove Oka's First Coherence Theorem for holomorphic functions in Chap. 2. This defines a unique character of the book compared with other books on this subject, in which the notion of coherence appears much later.The present book, consisting of nine chapters, gives complete treatments of the following items: Coherence of sheaves of holomorphic functions (Chap. 2); Oka–Cartan's Fundamental Theorem (Chap. 4); Coherence of ideal sheaves of complex analytic subsets (Chap. 6); Coherence of the normalization sheaves of complex spaces (Chap. 6); Grauert's Finiteness Theorem (Chaps. 7, 8); Oka's Theorem for Riemann domains (Chap. 8). The theories of sheaf cohomology and domains of holomorphy are also presented (Chaps. 3, 5). Chapter 6 deals with the theory of complex analytic subsets. Chapter 8 is devoted to the applications of formerly obtained results, proving Cartan–Serre's Theorem and Kodaira's Embedding Theorem. In Chap. 9, we discuss the historical development of "Coherence".It is difficult to find a book at this level that treats all of the above subjects in a completely self-contained manner. In the present volume, a number of classical proofs are improved and simplified, so that the contents are easily accessible for beginning graduate students.


Book Synopsis Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables by : Junjiro Noguchi

Download or read book Analytic Function Theory of Several Variables written by Junjiro Noguchi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2018-06-15 with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The purpose of this book is to present the classical analytic function theory of several variables as a standard subject in a course of mathematics after learning the elementary materials (sets, general topology, algebra, one complex variable). This includes the essential parts of Grauert–Remmert's two volumes, GL227(236) (Theory of Stein spaces) and GL265 (Coherent analytic sheaves) with a lowering of the level for novice graduate students (here, Grauert's direct image theorem is limited to the case of finite maps).The core of the theory is "Oka's Coherence", found and proved by Kiyoshi Oka. It is indispensable, not only in the study of complex analysis and complex geometry, but also in a large area of modern mathematics. In this book, just after an introductory chapter on holomorphic functions (Chap. 1), we prove Oka's First Coherence Theorem for holomorphic functions in Chap. 2. This defines a unique character of the book compared with other books on this subject, in which the notion of coherence appears much later.The present book, consisting of nine chapters, gives complete treatments of the following items: Coherence of sheaves of holomorphic functions (Chap. 2); Oka–Cartan's Fundamental Theorem (Chap. 4); Coherence of ideal sheaves of complex analytic subsets (Chap. 6); Coherence of the normalization sheaves of complex spaces (Chap. 6); Grauert's Finiteness Theorem (Chaps. 7, 8); Oka's Theorem for Riemann domains (Chap. 8). The theories of sheaf cohomology and domains of holomorphy are also presented (Chaps. 3, 5). Chapter 6 deals with the theory of complex analytic subsets. Chapter 8 is devoted to the applications of formerly obtained results, proving Cartan–Serre's Theorem and Kodaira's Embedding Theorem. In Chap. 9, we discuss the historical development of "Coherence".It is difficult to find a book at this level that treats all of the above subjects in a completely self-contained manner. In the present volume, a number of classical proofs are improved and simplified, so that the contents are easily accessible for beginning graduate students.


Holomorphic Function Theory in Several Variables

Holomorphic Function Theory in Several Variables

Author: Christine Laurent-Thiébaut

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-09-09

Total Pages: 255

ISBN-13: 0857290304

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This book provides an introduction to complex analysis in several variables. The viewpoint of integral representation theory together with Grauert's bumping method offers a natural extension of single variable techniques to several variables analysis and leads rapidly to important global results. Applications focus on global extension problems for CR functions, such as the Hartogs-Bochner phenomenon and removable singularities for CR functions. Three appendices on differential manifolds, sheaf theory and functional analysis make the book self-contained. Each chapter begins with a detailed abstract, clearly demonstrating the structure and relations of following chapters. New concepts are clearly defined and theorems and propositions are proved in detail. Historical notes are also provided at the end of each chapter. Clear and succinct, this book will appeal to post-graduate students, young researchers seeking an introduction to holomorphic function theory in several variables and lecturers seeking a concise book on the subject.


Book Synopsis Holomorphic Function Theory in Several Variables by : Christine Laurent-Thiébaut

Download or read book Holomorphic Function Theory in Several Variables written by Christine Laurent-Thiébaut and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2010-09-09 with total page 255 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides an introduction to complex analysis in several variables. The viewpoint of integral representation theory together with Grauert's bumping method offers a natural extension of single variable techniques to several variables analysis and leads rapidly to important global results. Applications focus on global extension problems for CR functions, such as the Hartogs-Bochner phenomenon and removable singularities for CR functions. Three appendices on differential manifolds, sheaf theory and functional analysis make the book self-contained. Each chapter begins with a detailed abstract, clearly demonstrating the structure and relations of following chapters. New concepts are clearly defined and theorems and propositions are proved in detail. Historical notes are also provided at the end of each chapter. Clear and succinct, this book will appeal to post-graduate students, young researchers seeking an introduction to holomorphic function theory in several variables and lecturers seeking a concise book on the subject.


Entire Functions of Several Complex Variables

Entire Functions of Several Complex Variables

Author: Pierre Lelong

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2012-12-06

Total Pages: 283

ISBN-13: 3642703445

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I - Entire functions of several complex variables constitute an important and original chapter in complex analysis. The study is often motivated by certain applications to specific problems in other areas of mathematics: partial differential equations via the Fourier-Laplace transformation and convolution operators, analytic number theory and problems of transcen dence, or approximation theory, just to name a few. What is important for these applications is to find solutions which satisfy certain growth conditions. The specific problem defines inherently a growth scale, and one seeks a solution of the problem which satisfies certain growth conditions on this scale, and sometimes solutions of minimal asymp totic growth or optimal solutions in some sense. For one complex variable the study of solutions with growth conditions forms the core of the classical theory of entire functions and, historically, the relationship between the number of zeros of an entire function f(z) of one complex variable and the growth of If I (or equivalently log If I) was the first example of a systematic study of growth conditions in a general setting. Problems with growth conditions on the solutions demand much more precise information than existence theorems. The correspondence between two scales of growth can be interpreted often as a correspondence between families of bounded sets in certain Frechet spaces. However, for applications it is of utmost importance to develop precise and explicit representations of the solutions.


Book Synopsis Entire Functions of Several Complex Variables by : Pierre Lelong

Download or read book Entire Functions of Several Complex Variables written by Pierre Lelong and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: I - Entire functions of several complex variables constitute an important and original chapter in complex analysis. The study is often motivated by certain applications to specific problems in other areas of mathematics: partial differential equations via the Fourier-Laplace transformation and convolution operators, analytic number theory and problems of transcen dence, or approximation theory, just to name a few. What is important for these applications is to find solutions which satisfy certain growth conditions. The specific problem defines inherently a growth scale, and one seeks a solution of the problem which satisfies certain growth conditions on this scale, and sometimes solutions of minimal asymp totic growth or optimal solutions in some sense. For one complex variable the study of solutions with growth conditions forms the core of the classical theory of entire functions and, historically, the relationship between the number of zeros of an entire function f(z) of one complex variable and the growth of If I (or equivalently log If I) was the first example of a systematic study of growth conditions in a general setting. Problems with growth conditions on the solutions demand much more precise information than existence theorems. The correspondence between two scales of growth can be interpreted often as a correspondence between families of bounded sets in certain Frechet spaces. However, for applications it is of utmost importance to develop precise and explicit representations of the solutions.


Banach Algebras and Several Complex Variables

Banach Algebras and Several Complex Variables

Author: John Wermer

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 169

ISBN-13: 1475738781

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During the past twenty years many connections have been found between the theory of analytic functions of one or more complex variables and the study of commutative Banach algebras. On the one hand, function theory has been used to answer algebraic questions such as the question of the existence of idempotents in a Banach algebra. On the other hand, concepts arising from the study of Banach algebras such as the maximal ideal space, the Silov boundary, Gleason parts, etc. have led to new questions and to new methods of proof in function theory. Roughly one third of this book isconcerned with developing some of the principal applications of function theory in several complex variables to Banach algebras. We presuppose no knowledge of severalcomplex variables on the part of the reader but develop the necessary material from scratch. The remainder of the book deals with problems of uniform approximation on compact subsets of the space of n complex variables. For n > I no complete theory exists but many important particular problems have been solved. Throughout, our aim has been to make the exposition elementary and self-contained. We have cheerfully sacrificed generality and completeness all along the way in order to make it easier to understand the main ideas.


Book Synopsis Banach Algebras and Several Complex Variables by : John Wermer

Download or read book Banach Algebras and Several Complex Variables written by John Wermer and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2013-06-29 with total page 169 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the past twenty years many connections have been found between the theory of analytic functions of one or more complex variables and the study of commutative Banach algebras. On the one hand, function theory has been used to answer algebraic questions such as the question of the existence of idempotents in a Banach algebra. On the other hand, concepts arising from the study of Banach algebras such as the maximal ideal space, the Silov boundary, Gleason parts, etc. have led to new questions and to new methods of proof in function theory. Roughly one third of this book isconcerned with developing some of the principal applications of function theory in several complex variables to Banach algebras. We presuppose no knowledge of severalcomplex variables on the part of the reader but develop the necessary material from scratch. The remainder of the book deals with problems of uniform approximation on compact subsets of the space of n complex variables. For n > I no complete theory exists but many important particular problems have been solved. Throughout, our aim has been to make the exposition elementary and self-contained. We have cheerfully sacrificed generality and completeness all along the way in order to make it easier to understand the main ideas.


Introduction to Complex Analysis in Several Variables

Introduction to Complex Analysis in Several Variables

Author: Volker Scheidemann

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 3031264282

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This book gives a comprehensive introduction to complex analysis in several variables. While it focusses on a number of topics in complex analysis rather than trying to cover as much material as possible, references to other parts of mathematics such as functional analysis or algebras are made to help broaden the view and the understanding of the chosen topics. A major focus are extension phenomena alien to the one-dimensional theory, which are expressed in the famous Hartog's Kugelsatz, the theorem of Cartan-Thullen, and Bochner's theorem. The book aims primarily at students starting to work in the field of complex analysis in several variables and instructors preparing a course. To that end, a lot of examples and supporting exercises are provided throughout the text. This second edition includes hints and suggestions for the solution of the provided exercises, with various degrees of support.


Book Synopsis Introduction to Complex Analysis in Several Variables by : Volker Scheidemann

Download or read book Introduction to Complex Analysis in Several Variables written by Volker Scheidemann and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023 with total page 239 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book gives a comprehensive introduction to complex analysis in several variables. While it focusses on a number of topics in complex analysis rather than trying to cover as much material as possible, references to other parts of mathematics such as functional analysis or algebras are made to help broaden the view and the understanding of the chosen topics. A major focus are extension phenomena alien to the one-dimensional theory, which are expressed in the famous Hartog's Kugelsatz, the theorem of Cartan-Thullen, and Bochner's theorem. The book aims primarily at students starting to work in the field of complex analysis in several variables and instructors preparing a course. To that end, a lot of examples and supporting exercises are provided throughout the text. This second edition includes hints and suggestions for the solution of the provided exercises, with various degrees of support.


Function Theory in Several Complex Variables

Function Theory in Several Complex Variables

Author: Toshio Nishino

Publisher: American Mathematical Soc.

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 388

ISBN-13: 9780821808160

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'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.


Book Synopsis Function Theory in Several Complex Variables by : Toshio Nishino

Download or read book Function Theory in Several Complex Variables written by Toshio Nishino and published by American Mathematical Soc.. This book was released on 2001 with total page 388 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: '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.