The method of normal forms is usually attributed to Poincaré although
some of the basic ideas of the method can be found in earlier works of
Jacobi, Briot and Bouquet. In this book, A.D.Bruno gives an account of
the work of these mathematicians and further developments as well as the
results of his own extensive investigations on the subject. The book
begins with a thorough presentation of the analytical techniques
necessary for the implementation of the theory as well as an extensive
description of the geometry of the Newton polygon. It then proceeds to
discuss the normal form of systems of ordinary differential equations
giving many specific applications of the theory. An underlying theme of
the book is the unifying nature of the method of normal forms regarding
techniques for the study of the local properties of ordinary
differential equations. In the second part of the book it is shown, for
a special class of equations, how the method of normal forms yields
classical results of Lyapunov concerning families of periodic orbits in
the neighborhood of equilibrium points of Hamiltonian systems as well as
the more modern results concerning families of quasiperiodic orbits
obtained by Kolmogorov, Arnold and Moser. The book is intended for
mathematicians, theoretical mechanicians, and physicists. It is suitable
for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.