For a course in matrix iterations, this is just the right book. England This book differs substantially from other books on iterative methods, including those recently published, in that it concentrates on several principles behind the derivation and analysis of the most important methods and preconditioning techniques. Individual algorithms serve as examples illustrating the discussed ideas.
Strong emphasis is given on motivation and relation to problems in other areas of mathematics.
Technical details and proofs are reduced to the level important for understanding the subject. It is valuable for students and also for experts working in the area of iterative methods. Much recent research has concentrated on the efficient solution of large sparse or structured linear systems using iterative methods. A language loaded with acronyms for a thousand different algorithms has developed, and it is often difficult even for specialists to identify the basic principles involved. The answers are presented clearly, when they are known, and remaining important open questions are laid out for further study.