This volume is the first of three in a series surveying the theory of theta functions which play a central role in the fields of complex analysis, algebraic geometry, number theory and most recently particle physics. Based on lectures given by the author at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Bombay, these volumes constitute a systematic exposition of theta functions, beginning with their historical roots as analytic functions in one variable (Volume I), touching on some of the beautiful ways they can be used to describe moduli spaces (Volume II), and culminating in a methodical comparison of theta functions in analysis, algebraic geometry, and representation theory (Volume III).

Researchers and graduate students in mathematics and physics will find these volumes to be valuable additions to their libraries.