15 years ago the function theory and operator theory connected with the Hardy spaces was well understood. None of the techniques that led to all the information about Hardy spaces worked on their close relatives the Bergman spaces. Most mathematicians who worked in the intersection of function theory and operator theory thought that progress on the Bergman spaces was unlikely. Now the situation has completely changed. Today there are rich theories describing the Bergman spaces and their operators. Research interest and research activity in the area has been high for several years. A book is badly needed on Bergman spaces.