Poisson structures appear in a large variety of contexts, ranging from
string theory, classical/quantum mechanics and differential geometry to
abstract algebra, algebraic geometry and representation theory. In each
one of these contexts, it turns out that the Poisson structure is not a
theoretical artifact, but a key element which, unsolicited, comes along
with the problem that is investigated, and its delicate properties are
decisive for the solution to the problem in nearly all cases. Poisson
Structures is the first book that offers a comprehensive introduction to
the theory, as well as an overview of the different aspects of Poisson
structures. The first part covers solid foundations, the central part
consists of a detailed exposition of the different known types of
Poisson structures and of the (usually mathematical) contexts in which
they appear, and the final part is devoted to the two main applications
of Poisson structures (integrable systems and deformation quantization).
The clear structure of the book makes it adequate for readers who come
across Poisson structures in their research or for graduate students or
advanced researchers who are interested in an introduction to the many
facets and applications of Poisson structures.