Transformation Groups: Symplectic Torus Actions and Toric Manifolds

The importance of cohomology theory in the study of symplectic and Hamiltonian torus actions has been recognized for a long time. The usefulness of cohomology theory in the field continues today, significantly in the theory of toric varieties. One of the major aims of this book is to illustrate the cohomological methods used in the study of symplectic and Hamiltonian torus actions and to present some recent results. The other aspect of this book is to present the theory of toric manifolds, which is a study of toric varieties from a topological view point and to illustrate some applications of combinatorics. Most of the techniques used and proofs of results included, are either new and have not appeared elsewhere or are written in a style which may be more accessible to readers.