An ideal text for an advanced course in the theory of complex functions,
this book leads readers to experience function theory personally and to
participate in the work of the creative mathematician. The author
includes numerous glimpses of the function theory of several complex
variables, which illustrate how autonomous this discipline has become.
In addition to standard topics, readers will find Eisenstein's proof of
Euler's product formula for the sine function; Wielandts uniqueness
theorem for the gamma function; Stirlings formula; Isssas theorem;
Besses proof that all domains in C are domains of holomorphy;
Wedderburns lemma and the ideal theory of rings of holomorphic
functions; Estermanns proofs of the overconvergence theorem and Blochs
theorem; a holomorphic imbedding of the unit disc in C3; and Gausss
expert opinion on Riemanns dissertation. Remmert elegantly presents the
material in short clear sections, with compact proofs and historical
comments interwoven throughout the text. The abundance of examples,
exercises, and historical remarks, as well as the extensive
bibliography, combine to make an invaluable source for students and
teachers alike