Topics in Algebraic Deformation Theory

Abstract

We give a selective survey of topics in algebraic deformation theory ranging from its inception to current times. Throughout, the numerous contributions of Murray Gerstenhaber are emphasized, especially the common themes of cohomology, infinitesimal methods, and explicit global deformation formulas.Comment: To appear in "Higher Structures in Geometry and Physics", papers in honor of M. Gerstenhaber and J. Stasheff, A. Cattanneo, A. Giaquinto, and P. Xu, eds. Birkhauser Progress in Mathematics, 201