Author Description

This book is an excellent illustration of the versatility of Algebraic Topology interacting with other areas in Mathematics and Physics. Topics discussed in this volume range from classical Differential Topology and Homotopy Theory (Kervaire invariant one problem) to more recent lines of research such as Topological Quantum Field Theory (string theory). Likewise, alternative viewpoints on classical problems in Global Analysis and Dynamical Systems are developed (a spectral sequence approach to normal form theory). This collection of papers is based on talks at the conference on the occasion of Sam Gitler's 70th birthday (December, 2003). The variety of topics covered in this book reflects the many areas where Sam Gitler's contributions have had an impact.