Introduction to Teichmüller theory, old and new, II

Abstract

This introduction can be considered as a sequel to the introduction that I wrote for Volume I of the Handbook, and I shall limit myself here to a general presentation of the material covered in the present volume. The exposition will follow the four-parts division of the volume, and for each part, its division in chapters.

Beyond the information given on the content of this volume, I hope that the reader of this introduction will get an idea of the richness of the subject of Teichmüller theory. I have tried to give some necessary definitions to make the introduction as much self-contained as possible.