This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the mathematical foundations of quantum statistical physics. It presents a conceptually profound yet technically accessible path to the C*-algebraic approach to quantum statistical mechanics, demonstrating how key aspects of thermodynamic equilibrium can be derived as simple corollaries of classical results in convex analysis. Using C*-algebras as examples of ordered vector spaces, this book makes various aspects of C*-algebras and their applications to the mathematical foundations of quantum theory much clearer from both mathematical and physical perspectives. It begins with the simple case of Gibbs states on matrix algebras and gradually progresses to a more general setting that considers the thermodynamic equilibrium of infinitely extended quantum systems. The book also illustrates how first-order phase transitions and spontaneous symmetry breaking can occur, in contrast to the finite-dimensional situation. One of the unique features of this book is its thorough and clear treatment of the theory of equilibrium states of quantum mean-field models. This work is self-contained and requires only a modest background in analysis, topology, and functional analysis from the reader. It is suitable for both mathematicians and physicists with a specific interest in quantum statistical physics.

This book contains all of Wolfgang Doeblin's publications. In addition, it includes a reproduction of the pli cachete on l'equation de Kolmogoroff and previously unpublished material that Doeblin wrote in 1940. The articles are accompanied by commentaries written by specialists in Doeblin's various areas of interest. The modern theory of probability developed between the two World Wars thanks to the very remarkable work of Kolmogorov, Khinchin, S.N. Bernstein, Romanovsky, von Mises, Hostinsky, Onicescu, Frechet, Levy and others, among whom one name shines particularly brightly, that of Wolfgang Doeblin (1915-1940). The work of this young mathematician, whose life was tragically cut short by the war, remains even now, and indeed will remain into the future, an exemplar of originality and of mathematical power. This book was conceived and in essence brought to fruition by Marc Yor before his death in 2014. It is dedicated to him.