Review from previous edition ...a carefully-researched, thorough and well-presented text. (Contemporary Physics)...very clearly written and essentially self-contained... not only a very good and thorough introduction to the subject, but also a precious reference for researchers. (Foundations of Physics)'This book covers a large set of topics, normally not covered in standard physics curricula ... I recommend this book to physicists interested in widening their horizons in the directions covered by the book ... I do not know of any other source providing such a systematic and well written introduction into this area of research.' (Mathematical Reviews) Biografía del autor PD Dr. Heinz-Peter Breuer, Physikalisches Institut, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet, Freiburg, Germany. Professor Francesco Petruccione, School of Pure and Applied Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.