Book excerpt: This is a graduate textbook on the principles of linear inverse problems, methods of their approximate solution, and practical application in imaging. The level of mathematical treatment is kept as low as possible to make the book suitable for a wide range of readers from different backgrounds in science and engineering. Mathematical prerequisites are first courses in analysis, geometry, linear algebra, probability theory, and Fourier analysis. The authors concentrate on presenting easily implementable and fast solution algorithms. With examples and exercises throughout, the book will provide the reader with the appropriate background for a clear understanding of the essence of inverse problems (ill-posedness and its cure) and, consequently, for an intelligent assessment of the rapidly growing literature on these problems.