This is the first systematic study of best approximation theory in innerproduct spaces and in particular in Hilbert space. Geometric considerationsplay a promin... » 

This is the first systematic study of best approximation theory in innerproduct spaces and in particular in Hilbert space. Geometric considerationsplay a prominent role in developing and understanding the theory. The onlyprerequisites for reading the book is some knowledge of advanced calculus andlinear algebra. Throughout the book examples and applications have beeninterspersed with the theory. Each chapter concludes with numerous exercisesand a section in which the author puts the results of that chapter into ahistorical perspective. The book is based on lecture notes for a graduatecourse on best approximation which the author has taught for over 25 years. «