The field of vertex operator algebras is an active area of research and plays an integral role in infinite-dimensional Lie theory, string theory, and conformal field theory, and other subdisciplines of mathematics and physics. This book begins with a careful presentation of the theoretical foundations of vertex operator algebras and their modules, and then proceeds to a range of applications. The text features new, original results and a fresh perspective on the important works of many researchers; in particular, it provides a detailed treatment of the concept of a "representation'' of a vertex (operator) algebra. Requiring only a familiarity with basic algebra, this broad, self-contained treatment of the core topics in vertex algebras will appeal to graduate students and researchers in both mathematics and physics.
