The second in a series of three volumes surveying the theory of theta functions, this volume gives emphasis to the special properties of the theta functions associated with compact Riemann surfaces and how they lead to solutions of the Korteweg-de-Vries equations as well as other non-linear differential equations of mathematical physics. This book presents an explicit elementary construction of hyperelliptic Jacobian varieties and is a self-contained introduction to the theory of the Jacobians. It also ties together nineteenth-century discoveries due to Jacobi, Neumann, and Frobenius with recent discoveries of Gelfand, McKean, Moser, John Fay, and others. A definitive body of information and research on the subject of theta functions, this volume will be a useful addition to the individual and mathematics research libraries.

This volume is the first of three in a series surveying the theory of theta functions. Based on lectures given by the author at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay, these volumes constitute a systematic exposition of theta functions, beginning with their historical roots as analytic functions in one variable (Volume I), touching on some of the beautiful ways they can be used to describe moduli spaces (Volume II), and culminating in a methodical comparison of theta functions in analysis, algebraic geometry, and representation theory (Volume III).

This book offers a self-contained elementary introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of Algebraic Geometry, leading to some gems of the subject like Bezout's Theorem, the Fundamental Theorem of Projective Geometry, and Zariski's Main Theorem. The book contains a detailed treatment of algebraic plane curves with a special emphasis on elliptic curves and their birational classification. The role played by elliptic curves in modern theory of cryptology is illustrated. A novel feature of the book is a discussion of the state of the art on the Jacobian Problem and its relation to the Epimorphism Theorem. The recently introduced Tame Transformation Method of Cryptosystems, is sketched. Prerequisities are limited to a knowledge of finite Galois Theory, and of commutative Noetherian rings. All the Commutative Algebra needed is presented in Chapter 1, and could form the basis for a mini course on the subject. The exposition retains classroom flavour. About 300 exercises are included, often with adequate hints.