The contributions in this major work focus on a central area of mathematics with strong ties to partial differential equations, algebraic geometry, number theory, and differential geometry. The 1995-96 MSRI program on Several Complex Variables emphasized these interactions and concentrated on current developments and problems that capitalize on this interplay of ideas and techniques. This collection provides a remarkably complete picture of the status of research in these overlapping areas and a basis for significant continued contributions from researchers. Several of the articles are expository or have extensive expository sections, making this an excellent introduction for students on the use of techniques from these other areas in several complex variables. This volume comprises a representative sample of some of the best work recently done in Several Complex Variables.