The topic of nonlinear systems is fundamental to the study of systems engineering. So extensive investigations have been carried out by both the nonlinear control and nonlinear dynamics communities, but the focus can be different - on controllers design and dynamics analysis, respectively. The last two decades have witnessed the gradual merging of control theory and dynamics analysis, but not yet to the extent of controlling nonlinear dynamics such as bifurcations and chaos. This monograph is an attempt to fill that gap while presenting a rather comprehensive coverage of the fundamental nonlinear systems theory in a self-contained and approachable manner.

This introductory treatise is written for self-study and, in particular, as an elementary textbook that can be taught in a one-semester course to advanced undergraduates or entrance level graduates with curricula focusing on nonlinear systems, both on control theory and dynamics analysis.