3 ms·
Overrated and tendentious book. There are many better linear algebra texts. His polemic against determinants is poorly motivated, misguided, and distracting. Th
by contubernio 2mo ago
Overrated and tendentious book. There are many better linear algebra texts. His polemic against determinants is poorly motivated, misguided, and distracting. The writing is quite formal and not terribly inspiring. The coverage is adequate but nothing more.
- qsort 2mo ago> His polemic against determinants is poorly motivated, misguided, and distracting. What polemic? Defining the determinant as the unique multilinear alternating form satisfying certain properties is very normal (and in fact the only way that really makes sense for both finite- and infinite-dimensional vector spaces). There are zero unusual things with this book imo.
- traes 2mo agoThis polemic: Sheldon Axler -- Down With Determinants https://www.axler.net/DwD.html https://www.axler.net/DwD.html A strange and unpopular opinion.
- nuclearnicer 2mo agoSomething else you recommend?