Linear Systems

This book is that dangerous combination of being theoretical without being rigorous. It's very deep and subtle, and it is not unusual to ponder a particular point for several weeks, as no derivation or explanation is given. Many statements are just thrown out there for the reader to figure out for himself. I have now read the book more or less from cover to cover, and that's how it has been, but I have to say, in the end it is worth it. I now truly feel that I know a lot about linear systems.It's really not possible to read this book without having a number of other references around: linear algebra (Strang), abstract algebra (Artin), control theory (Brogan) and multivariable systems (Kaczorek) were most useful to me.This book is excellent in that you will find results in here that you would not find anywhere else, including recent results and some developed by Kailath himself. On the other hand, frankly, the somewhat haphazard presentation style is a real impediment to understanding. In summary, this is a very good book, but you will have to work very hard to get something out of it.

If you are an engineer with least span of attention, this book is certainly not for you. But if you are somebody who likes things to be concise and profound, and takes thrill in riding through theoretical maze, only to wonder in the end at it's simplicity and completeness, you would love this. I would say, second chapter on State-Space theory is the core of the book. Helps you to look at systems from different view-points, elaborating on different proprerties a system can and should have, meanwhile relating one with the other, filling the reader with sheer joy by giving him a complete picture.Huge list of references at the end of every chapter and a brief appendix on Matrix algebra adds further value to this ultimate book on Linear System Theory.

Very well written, comprehensive, and my favourite book on the subject

I highly recomend this book for anyone interested in linear systems and related topics.

Kailath's Linear Systems is my favorite reference forthe subject. He includes every concept I have everlooked for and provides proofs more often than not. If you could only have one Linear systems books, I would recommend this one.