Open Quantum Systems : An Introduction In this volume the fundamental theory of open quantum systems is revised in the light of modern developments in the field. A unified approach to the quantum evolution of open systems is presented by merging concepts and methods traditionally employed by different communities such as quantum optics condensed matter chemical physics and mathematical physics. The mathematical structure and the general properties of the dynamical maps underlying open system dynamics are explained in detail. The microscopic derivation of dynamical equations including both Markovian and non Markovian evolutions In this volume the fundamental theory of open quantum systems is revised in the light of modern developments in the field. A unified approach to the quantum evolution of open systems is presented by merging concepts and methods traditionally employed by different communities such as quantum optics condensed matter chemical physics and mathematical physics. The mathematical structure and the general properties of the dynamical maps underlying open system dynamics are explained in detail. The microscopic derivation of dynamical equations including both Markovian and non Markovian evolutions is also discussed. Because of the step by step explanations this work is a useful reference to novices in this field. However experienced researches can also benefit from the presentation of recent results