Based on lectures given by the author, this book focuses on providing reliable introductory explanations of key concepts of quantum information theory and quantum statistics - rather than on results. The mathematically rigorous presentation is supported by numerous examples and exercises and by an appendix summarizing the relevant aspects of linear analysis. Assuming that the reader is familiar with the content of standard undergraduate courses in quantum mechanics, probability theory, linear algebra and functional analysis, the book addresses graduate students of mathematics and physics as well as theoretical and mathematical physicists. Conceived as a primer to bridge the gap between statistical physics and quantum information, a field to which the author has contributed significantly himself, it emphasizes concepts and thorough discussions of the fundamental notions to prepare the reader for deeper studies, not least through the selection of well chosen exercises.
From the reviews: "This book covers a great deal of central topics and actual problems of quantum information theory except quantum computation and cryptography. It is an introduction which emphasizes the mathematical interesting and beauty aspects of quantum and information theory as well as their synthesis on an ambitious level suitable for graduate students. It is offering mathematically rigorous and elegant proofs for central propositions and with this respect it can serve teachers and researchers doing their work." (K.-E. Hellwig, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1145, 2008)