One of the major discoveries of the past two decades in algebraic geometry is the realization that the theory of minimal models of surfaces can be generalized to higher dimensional varieties. This generalization, called the minimal model program, or Mori's program, has developed into a powerful tool with applications to diverse questions in algebraic geometry and beyond. This book provides the first comprehensive introduction to the circle of ideas developed around the program, the prerequisites being only a basic knowledge of algebraic geometry. It will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers working in algebraic geometry and related fields.

Written in celebration of Miles Reid's 70th birthday, this illuminating volume contains 11 papers by leading mathematicians in and around algebraic geometry, broadly related to the themes and interests of Reid's varied career. Just as in Reid's own scientific output, some of the papers give comprehensive accounts of the state of the art of foundational matters, while others give expositions of subject areas or techniques in concrete terms. Reid has been one of the major expositors of algebraic geometry and a great influence on many in this field - this book hopes to inspire a new generation of graduate students and researchers in his tradition.

One of the major discoveries of the last two decades of the twentieth century in algebraic geometry is the realization that the theory of minimal models of surfaces can be generalized to higher dimensional varieties. This generalization, called the minimal model program or Mori's program, has developed into a powerful tool with applications to diverse questions in algebraic geometry and beyond. This book provides the a comprehensive introduction to the circle of ideas developed around the program, the prerequisites being only a basic knowledge of algebraic geometry. It will be of great interest to graduate students and researchers working in algebraic geometry and related fields.