Involutive operator algebras

Examples of operator algebras with involution include the operator $*$-algebras occurring in noncommutative differential geometry studied recently by Mesland, Kaad, Lesch, and others, several classical function algebras, triangular matrix algebras, (complexifications) of real operator algebras, and an operator algebraic version of the {\em complex symmetric} operators studied by Garcia, Putinar, Wogen and others. We investigate the general theory of involutive operator algebras, and give many applications.