Understanding cooperative phenomena far from equilibrium is one of the fascinating challenges of present-day many-body physics. Glassy behaviour and the physical ageing process of such materials are paradigmatic examples. The present volume, primarily intended as introduction and reference, collects six extensive lectures addressing selected experimental and theoretical issues in the field of glassy systems.

This introduction to the fundamental theories of equilibrium statistical mechanics is self-contained and easily accessible to undergraduate students. Fundamental principles and simple physical examples are particularly emphasized. In preparation: R. Kubo et al., Statistical Physics II. (Springer Series in Solid-State Sciences, Vol. 31). 2nd ed. 1991. ISBN 3-540-53833-X

This text provides an introduction to nonequilibrium statistical mechanics. It stresses fundamental concepts and the latest methods, rather than individual applications, and will be of interest to advanced students and re- searchers.