The book explores the theory of discrete integrable systems, with an
emphasis on the following general problem: how to discretize one or
several of independent variables in a given integrable system of
differential equations, maintaining the integrability property? This
question (related in spirit to such a modern branch of numerical
analysis as geometric integration) is treated in the book as an immanent
part of the theory of integrable systems, also commonly termed as the
theory of solitons. Most of the results are only available from recent
journal publications, many of them are new.
Thus, the book is a kind of encyclopedia on discrete integrable systems.
It unifies the features of a research monograph and a handbook. It is
supplied with an extensive bibliography and detailed bibliographic
remarks at the end of each chapter. Largely self-contained, it will be
accessible to graduate and post-graduate students as well as to
researchers in the area of integrable dynamical systems. Also those
involved in real numerical calculations or modelling with integrable
systems will find it very helpful.