Peter D. Lax 當代最傑齣的數學傢之一，世界數學界最高榮譽阿貝爾奬（2005年）和沃爾夫奬（1987年）得主。他是美國科學院院士，並於1986年榮獲美國國傢科技 奬章。Lax生於匈牙利，自1958年開始就一直在美國紐約大學從事教學與研究工作，曾擔任柯朗數學研究所所長。他在純數學與應用數學的諸多領域都有卓越 的建樹，影響深遠。同時，他一生緻力於數學教育，獨立撰寫或與他人閤著教材20多部，阿貝爾奬頒奬辭如此評價他：“他的著作、他對教育事業付齣的畢生心血 以及他在培養年輕一代數學傢時體現齣的孜孜不倦的精神，在世界數學領域留下瞭不可磨滅的影響。

This introduction to linear algebra by world-renowned mathematician Peter Lax is unique in its emphasis on the analytical aspects of the subject as well as its numerous applications. The book grew out of Dr. Lax's course notes for the linear algebra classes he teaches at New York University. Geared to graduate students as well as advanced undergraduates, it assumes only limited knowledge of linear algebra and avoids subjects already heavily treated in other textbooks. And while it discusses linear equations, matrices, determinants, and vector spaces, it also in-cludes a number of exciting topics that are not covered elsewhere, such as eigenvalues, the Hahn-Banach theorem, geometry, game theory, and numerical analysis.

The first four chapters are devoted to the abstract structure of finite dimensional vector spaces. Subsequent chapters deal with determinants as a blend of geometry, algebra, and general spectral theory. Euclidean structure is used to explain the notion of selfadjoint mappings and their spectral theory. Dr. Lax moves on to the calculus of vector and matrix valued functions of a single variable—a neglected topic in most undergraduate programs—and presents matrix inequalities from a variety of perspectives.

Fundamentals—including duality, linear mappings, and matrices

Determinant, trace, and spectral theory

Euclidean structure and the spectral theory of selfadjoint maps

Calculus of vector and matrix valued functions

Matrix inequalities

Kinematics and dynamics

Convexity and the duality theorem

Normed linear spaces, linear mappings between normed spaces, and positive matrices

Iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations

Eight appendices devoted to important related topics, including special determinants, Pfaff's theorem, symplectic matrices, tensor product, lattices, fast matrix multiplication, Gershgorin's theorem, and multiplicity of eigenvalues

Later chapters cover convexity and the duality theorem, describe the basics of normed linear spaces and linear maps between normed spaces, and discuss the dominant eigenvalue of matrices whose entries are positive or merely non-negative. The final chapter is devoted to numerical methods and describes Lanczos' procedure for inverting a symmetric, positive definite matrix. Eight appendices cover important topics that do not fit into the main thread of the book.

Clear, concise, and superbly organized, Linear Algebra is an excellent text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses and also serves as a handy professional reference.