Written by an author who was at the forefront of developments in multivariable spectral theory during the seventies and the eighties, this book describes the spectral mapping theorem in various settings. In this second edition, theBluffer's Guidehas been revised and expanded, whilst preserving the engaging style of the first.Starting with a summary of the basic algebraic systems – semigroups, rings and linear algebras – the book quickly turns to topological-algebraic systems, including Banach algebras, to set up the basic language of algebra and analysis. Key aspects of spectral theory...