A satisfactory and coherent theory of orthogonal polynomials in several variables, attached to root systems, and depending on two or more parameters, has developed in recent years. This comprehensive account of the subject provides a unified foundation for the theory to which I.G. Macdonald has been a principal contributor. The first four chapters lead up to Chapter 5 which contains all the main results.

This is a new in paperback second edition of the acclaimed first edition. The second edition includes a new chapter on a family of symmetric functions depending rationally on two parameters and also a chapter on zonal polynomials.

From reviews of the first edition:

'Despite the amount of material of such great potential interest to mathematicians...the theory of symmetric functions remains all but unknown to the persons it is most likely to benefit...Hopefully this beautifully written book will put an end to this state of affairs...I have no doubt that this book will become the definitive reference on symmetric functions and their applications.' Bulletin of the AMS

'...In addition to providing a self-contained and coherent account of well-known and classical work, there is a great deal which is original. The book is dotted with gems, both old and new...It is a substantial and valuable volume and will be regarded as the authoritative source which has been long awaited in this subject.' LMS book reviews

From reviews of the second edition:

'Evidently this second edition will be the source and reference book for symmetric functions in the next future.' Zentralblatt fuer Mathematik