4 ms·
This book was far too wordy for me. I found a better compromise by reading two these books in parallel: * Burns' "Groups: A Path to Geometry": http://www.amazo
by bmer 10y ago
This book was far too wordy for me. I found a better compromise by reading two these books in parallel:
* Burns' "Groups: A Path to Geometry": http://www.amazon.com/Groups-Geometry-R-P-Burn/dp/0521347939 http://www.amazon.com/Groups-Geometry-R-P-Burn/dp/0521347939
This was the main read. It's approach is to take the reader through group theory by presenting it as a series of problems. Discussion is limited mainly to historical notes.
* Pinter's "A Book on Abstract Algebra": http://www.amazon.com/Book-Abstract-Algebra-Second-Mathematics/dp/0486474178/ http://www.amazon.com/Book-Abstract-Algebra-Second-Mathemati...
While going through Burns' book, if I needed more of a discussion on a certain topic, then Pinter's book always felt like it comfortably quenched my desire. Here is someone's discussion on why Pinter helped (along with a proposed litmus test for group theory texts): http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1469294/recommendations-for-an-illuminating-explained-in-the-post-group-theory-abstr http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1469294/recommendati...
- sunnyps 10y agoThanks for both references. It's been a while since I studied algebra in college and I'm hoping to get back into it and solidify my understanding. What do you think of Artin's Algebra? http://www.amazon.com/Algebra-2nd-Michael-Artin/dp/0132413779?ie=UTF8&me=&ref_=mt_hardcover http://www.amazon.com/Algebra-2nd-Michael-Artin/dp/013241377...
- Ec_K 10y agoArtin's Book would provide a great reference text for a refresh but it covers a lot of areas, and you sometimes lack the motivation to study the area without seeing it from a book devoted to it or from seeing it occur naturally. I have not used the book for a couple of years but looking back I would recommend combining it with a book on linear algebra and a book on elementary/ algebraic number theory. If you are comparing it to Pinter or burns - Artin is a lot harder.
- bmer 10y agoSorry, I can't comment on that book as I haven't read it!
- E_cK 10y agoIf you are going from Burns/ Pinter to Artin you might have a hard time - I would recommend looking into books on Linear algebra, group theory ( more advanced than Pinter), Galios Theory, elementary/ Algebraic number theory or if you have the background Algebraic geometry/ topology. Then when going through these refer back to Artin if there is something you do not understand or want to see the Algebra from a different perspective. It is often hard to motivate Alegbra without having seen it occur naturally elsewhere. All this being Artin is a great book. Good luck.
- signa11 10y agothere are these 'expository papers' by keith-conrad as well, which are pretty good. they are available here : http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/ http://www.math.uconn.edu/~kconrad/blurbs/