and Outlook -- Mathematical Formulas Involving the Different Zeta Functions -- A Treatment of the Non-Polynomial Contributions: Application to Calculate Partition Functions of Strings and Membranes -- Analytical and Numerical Study of Inhomogeneous Epstein and Epstein-Hurwitz Zeta Functions -- Physical Application: The Casimir Effect -- Four Physical Applications of the Inhomogeneous Generalized Epstein-Hurwitz Zeta Functions -- Miscellaneous Applications Combining Zeta with Other Regularization Procedures -- Applications to Gravity, Strings and P-Branes -- Last Application: Topological Symmetry Breaking in Self-Interacting Theories.

Zeta-function regularization is a powerful method in perturbation theory. This book is meant as a guide for the student of this subject. Everything is explained in detail, in particular the mathematical difficulties and tricky points, and several applications are given to show how the procedure works in practice (e.g. Casimir effect, gravity and string theory, high-temperature phase transition, topological symmetry breaking). The formulas some of which are new can be used for accurate numerical calculations. The book is to be considered as a basic introduction and a collection of exercises for those who want to apply this regularization procedure in practice.