The p-adic numbers and more generally local fields have become increasingly important in a wide range of mathematical disciplines. They are now seen as essential tools in many areas, including number theory, algebraic geometry, group representation theory, the modern theory of automorphic forms, and algebraic topology. A number of texts have recently become available which provide good general introductions to p-adic numbers and p-adic analysis. However, there is at present a gap between such books and the sophisticated applications in the research literature. The aim of this book is to...