Complex Proofs of Real Theorems is an extended meditation on Hadamard's famous dictum, ``The shortest and best way between two truths of the real domain often passes through the imaginary one.'' Directed at an audience acquainted with analysis at the first year graduate level, it aims at illustrating how complex variables can be used to provide quick and efficient proofs of a wide variety of important results in such areas of analysis as approximation theory, operator theory, harmonic analysis, and complex dynamics. Topics discussed include weighted approximation on the line, Muntz's theorem, Toeplitz operators, Beurling's theorem on the invariant spaces of the shift operator, prediction theory, the Riesz convexity theorem, the Paley-Wiener theorem, the Titchmarsh convolution theorem, the Gleason-Kahane-Zelazko theorem, and the Fatou-Julia-Baker theorem. The discussion begins with the world's shortest proof of the fundamental theorem of algebra and concludes with Newman's almost effortless proof of the prime number theorem. Four brief appendices provide all necessary background in complex analysis beyond the standard first year graduate course. Lovers of analysis and beautiful proofs will read and reread this slim volume with pleasure and profit.

This book provides an in depth discussion of Loewner’s theorem on the characterization of matrix monotone functions. The author refers to the book as a ‘love poem,’ one that highlights a unique mix of algebra and analysis and touches on numerous methods and results. The book details many different topics from analysis, operator theory and algebra, such as divided differences, convexity, positive definiteness, integral representations of function classes, Pick interpolation, rational approximation, orthogonal polynomials, continued fractions, and more. Most applications of Loewner’s theorem involve the easy half of the theorem. A great number of interesting techniques in analysis are the bases for a proof of the hard half. Centered on one theorem, eleven proofs are discussed, both for the study of their own approach to the proof and as a starting point for discussing a variety of tools in analysis. Historical background and inclusion of pictures of some of the main figures who have developed the subject, adds another depth of perspective. The presentation is suitable for detailed study, for quick review or reference to the various methods that are presented. The book is also suitable for independent study. The volume will be of interest to research mathematicians, physicists, and graduate students working in matrix theory and approximation, as well as to analysts and mathematical physicists.