From the reviews: "This book is an excellent and comprehensive survey of
the theory of von Neumann algebras. It includes all the fundamental
results of the subject, and is a valuable reference for both the
beginner and the expert." (Math. Reviews) "In theory, this book can be
read by a well-trained third-year graduate student - but the reader had
better have a great deal of mathematical sophistication. The specialist
in this and allied areas will find the wealth of recent results and new
approaches throughout the text especially rewarding." (American
Scientist) "The title of this book at once suggests comparison with the
two volumes of Dixmier and the fact that one can seriously make this
comparison indicates that it is a far more substantial work that others
on this subject which have recently appeared"(BLMSoc)