C*-algebras by Example (Texts and Readings in Mathematics) - Tapa dura

"The writing is clear and easy to follow... an outstanding book that should be on every operator algebraists bookshelf. Mathematical Reviews

This book is an introductory graduate level text which presents the basics of the subject through a detailed analysis of several important classes of C*-algebras. While there are many books on C*- algebras and operator algebras available, this is the first one to attempt to explain the real examples that researchers use to test their hypotheses. Topics include AF algebras, Bunce-Deddens and Cuntz algebras, the Toeplitz algebra, irrational rotation algebras, group C*- algebras, discrete crossed products, abelian C*-algebras (spectral theory and approximate unitary equivalence) and extensions. It also introduces many modern concepts and results in the subject such as real rank zero algebras, topological stable rank, quasidiagonality, and various new constructions.