Product Description

'Rings, Fields and Groups' gives a stimulating and unusual introduction to the results, methods and ideas now commonly studied on abstract algebra courses at undergraduate level. The author provides a mixture of informal and formal material which help to stimulate the enthusiasm of the student, whilst still providing the essential theoretical concepts necessary for serious study.

Retaining the highly readable style of its predecessor, this second edition has also been thoroughly revised to include a new chapter on Galois theory plus hints and solutions to many of the 800 exercises featured.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #81793 in Books
• Published on: 1991-08-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review
" ... here is no dry-as-dust textbook ... it will pay rich dividends to those who give time and effort to delve into its pages" Mathematical Spectrum

Customer Reviews

Not bad
For the most part, this book is a clear and concise introduction to abstract algebra. The prose is lucid and the author's notes and remarks give some intuitive rationale behind several of the results. The exercises are well-thought out, and in some cases they expound on an idea touched on earlier in the chapter.

On the other hand, a few of the chapters went over my head. The Prologue, for example, cites the major contributions of the key figures in the historical development of algebra. Since I was still an algebra novice when I read the Prologue, I found it hard to follow. Moreover, Chapter 5 on Group Theory begins with an introduction that summarizes two methods of solving the cubic. I had a lot of trouble following this section as well. In his description of Tchirnhaus' method, he brings up a simultaneous equation involving a cubic and quadratic but skips over some calculations. I spent 2 days trying to fill in the gaps, only to throw my 20 pages of scribble into the wastebasket in frustration. If you are not as obsessive as I am, then you might be ok with skipping over topics or exercises that are too advanced.

Having done every single exercise up to Chapter 5, I've found about 3-4 typos in the print, which is decent for a math text.

A Must for any Undergrad Maths Student...!!
The book is intended for extensive use of undergradurate Maths students. It is recommended by University Professors as the Core texts and introduction of anything that is related to Abstract Algebra courses. Good use of examples, with fairly clearly laid out definitions.

!The material used in this book will be useful for any undergrad students throughout the whole three year course!

(This is the recommended course text in my Uni, you can't go wrong with it!)

Anyway,(enough said!) a MUST buy not only because it covers a good understanding of the course, but by far the most important reason - it is a one of the very few grumpy Maths books that a student can afford, cheap enough to get it without the hassle of getting it out from the library!

PS. Put it that way, I am forced to buy it NOT because I am a nerd. I want to pass my exams too, but when the Professor was too intelligent for ordinary humanoids like myself and the rest of my classmates it would be mission impossible. So don't come emailing me with Maths questions unless you are studying at the primary level!!

Gwood
Nwice book. Da revweiw bewlow bwy Brwian was hwelpful. Tank woo.
-Humpie