Books in the Series On University Mathematics series

This is a translation of the text based on a lecture series delivered by Professor S.S Chern in Beijing University in 1980. The contribution to mathematics literature combines simplicity and economy of approach with depth of contents.

An introduction to the topics in number theory related to the central tools - which are based on the estimates of character sums and the estimates of the eigenvalues of Hecke operators - with the ultimate goal of presenting their applications. Topics covered include L-functions and modular forms.