This volume contains a re-edition of Max Koecher's famous Minnesota Notes. The main objects are homogeneous, but not necessarily convex, cones. They are described in terms of Jordan algebras. The central point is a correspondence between semisimple real Jordan algebras and so-called omega-domains. This leads to a construction of half-spaces which give an essential part of all bounded symmetric domains. The theory is presented in a concise manner, with only elementary prerequisites. The editors have added notes on each chapter containing an account of the relevant developments of the theory since these notes were first written.

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Autorentext

Max Koecher (born 1924) studied mathematics and physics at the University of Göttingen. He initially worked on modular forms of several variables, leaving his mark with a well-known principle bearing his name. Later on, he concentrated on Jordan algebras and in particular their connections with bounded symmetric domains. In 1970, he was appointed to Hans Petersson's chair at the University of Münster. He retired in 1989 and passed away shortly thereafter. Aloys Krieg (born 1955) studied mathematics at the University of Münster. He was the last PhD student of Max Koecher. He has mainly worked on modular forms of several variables. In 1993, he was appointed to Paul Butzer's chair at RWTH Aachen University, where he served as Vice President for Education for 16 years. He retired in 2024.

Inhalt
Domains of Positivity.- Omega Domains.- Jordan Algebras.- Real and Complex Jordan Algebras.- Complex Jordan Algebras.- Jordan Algebras and Omega Domains.- Half-Spaces.- Appendix: The Bergman kernel function.