The first unified in-depth discussion of the now classical Gelfand-Naimark theorems thiscomprehensive text assesses the current status of modern analysis regarding both Banachand C*-algebras. Characterizations of C*-Algebras: The Gelfand-Naimark Theorems focuses on general theoryand basic properties in accordance with readers' needs. provides complete proofs of theGelfand-Naimark theorems as well as refinements and extensions of the original axioms. gives applications of the theorems to topology harmonic analysis. operator theory. group representations and other topics. treats Hermitian and symmetric *-algebras. algebras with and without identity and algebras with arbitrary (possibly discontinuous)involutions. includes some 300 end-of-chapter exercises. offers appendices on functionalanalysis and Banach algebras. and contains numerous examples and over 400 referencesthat illustrate important concepts and encourage further research. Characterizations of C*-Algebras: The Gelfand-Naimark Theorems is an ideal text for graduatestudents taking such courses as The Theory of Banach Algebras and C*-Algebras: inaddition it makes an outstanding reference for physicists research mathematicians in analysisand applied scientists using C*-algebras in such areas as statistical mechanics quantumtheory. and physical chemistry. Language: English