Description:These proceedings result from a conference on Banach Algebras and Several Complex Variables held June 21--24, 1983, to honor Professor Charles E. Rickart upon his retirement from Yale University. Articles present recent advances in a wide spectrum of topics related to Banach algebras, function algebras and infinite dimensional holomorphy, areas where Professor Rickart has made important contributions. From a research point of view, the articles of J. Esterle and B. Kramm are of special interest. Although the topics in this volume are diverse, a general knowledge of fundamental notions appearing in Banach algebra theory will suffice for understanding most articles.