Encyclopedia of mathematical physics, ed. by Jean-Pierre Francoise, Gregory L. Naber, and Tsou Sheung Tsun. Elsevier, 2006. 5v bibl index ISBN 0-12-512660-3, $1495.00. Reviewed in 2007jan CHOICE. "This encyclopedia is a very valuable and useful work which can be best recommended." -- K.E. Hellwig (Berlin), Zentralblatt MATH Mathematical physics is a relatively new and quickly evolving field of interdisciplinary study. This encyclopedia starts with eight introductory articles, aimed at physics and mathematics graduate students. The articles give them a basic understanding of material in their non-major that will help them understand the main entries. The contents list is divided into physics subjects and related mathematics subjects. For help in dealing with the highly interdisciplinary nature of the encyclopedia, users may consult cross-references, an alphabetical contents list, and a full subject index. Each article is signed and includes a bibliography and cross-references. The editorial board and authors' roster are extensive and international in nature, with many impressive contributors. Articles are highly scholarly. Illustrations are included, where appropriate, to assist readers with understanding particular concepts. This work offers approximately 450 long, well-written articles, covering almost 3,300 pages in five volumes. This is a high-quality specialized reference work for university libraries serving PhD programs in physics and mathematics. Faculty and graduate students will be the main audience, with some potential use by advanced undergraduates. All libraries supporting graduate programs in these areas and other major research libraries should purchase this work, but most libraries will not need this source. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners; motivated upper-level undergraduates. -- J. O. Christensen, Brigham Young University "...a complete resource for researchers, students and lecturers with an interest in mathematical physics. It enables readers access to basic information on topics peripheral to their won areas, to provide a repository of the core information in the area that can be used to refresh the researcher's own memory banks, and aid teachers in directing students to entries relevant to their course-work." -ZENTRALBLATT MATH DATABASE "...a vital source of information and a valuable reference work for some time to come." -in Mathematical Reviews 2007K
