Intended for a wide range of readers, this book covers the main ideas of
convex analysis and approximation theory. The author discusses the
sources of these two trends in mathematical analysis, develops the main
concepts and results, and mentions some beautiful theorems. The
relationship of convex analysis to optimization problems, to the
calculus of variations, to optimal control and to geometry is
considered, and the evolution of the ideas underlying approximation
theory, from its origins to the present day, is discussed. The book is
addressed both to students who want to acquaint themselves with these
trends and to lecturers in mathematical analysis, optimization and
numerical methods, as well as to researchers in these fields who would
like to tackle the topic as a whole and seek inspiration for its further
development.