Joint Evolution of Black Holes and Galaxies

Understanding galaxy formation and evolution is one of the major goals of physical cosmology. In particular, the collapse of the first stars and pre-galactic systems may set the conditions for the formation of the most exotic objects in the universe, "supermassive black holes." Relics of extraordinary energetic events that occurred when the universe was younger, these supermassive black holes influence the environment they inhabit and their masses link tightly with properties of their hosting galaxy. This book, arising from a SIGRAV School held in Como, focuses on observational and theoretical aspects of the research in this field at a level suitable for graduate students and young researchers.