Abstract Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) [Paperback]

W. E. Deskins (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Books on Mathematics | Publication Date: January 16, 1996

Excellent textbook provides undergraduates with an accessible introduction to the basic concepts of abstract algebra and to the analysis of abstract algebraic systems. Features many examples and a large number of problems of varying levels of difficulty at the end of each chapter.

Product Details

• Paperback: 640 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Rep Una edition (January 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486688887
• ISBN-13: 978-0486688886
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #835,412 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Readable Intro to Algebra, May 10, 2001

By 

Neal Jameson "nealwj3" (Cambridge, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

I have worked through the first 7 of the 13 chapters with the exception of chapter 4 (a tangent on Diophantine equations.) My own personal goal was to become acquainted with group and ring theory. If you proceed past chapter 7, then you will learn about polynomial rings, quadratic domains, abstract issues in linear algebra, and other topics. From what I read, I found Deskins' book highly readable. My math background consists of three college courses that I would consider rigorous and proof-oriented. If you have less of a background then it might be more challenging; however, the book builds its concepts very methodically and logically. Rarely did it leave me scratching my head and searching through previous chapters.

Deskins includes enough exercises to get a good mental grasp of the ideas. The level of difficult ranges from the very easy, definition checking problems to the sort of challenging. I say "sort of challenging" because none of the more difficult problems seem to be quite as difficult as the most difficult problems in other books. However, I have no experience with other algebra books, so this may be a characteristic of the subject.

All in all, I highly recommend the book as a text for teaching yourself abstract algebra. It is very readable and the well-chosen exercises help you understand the material.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not perfect but still very nice, December 13, 2002

By 

Kyle Maxwell (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

I purchased this book to help me prepare for a graduate-level course as an undergrad. The book is written at a good level: not as rigorous as a typical grad textbook, but not as chatty as many modern undergrad textbooks. This allows the reader to focus on the material and have it well-explained without being distracted or treated like a junior high student. The book contains no answers for any of the exercises. If I was not using it for self-study, this wouldn't be a problem. There are a few places where he does a bit of handwaving or is a bit lazy in his definitions (see the definition of "subgroup" on p. 207 for an example), but this does not overly detract from the quality.

While it's not perfect, I'm very happy with the book for my somewhat limited purposes. I'd like to give it 3.5 stars, but I'll be generous and round to 4 since I can't.

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a two-sided thing., May 1, 2000

By 

David Sassen (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Abstract Algebra (Dover Books on Mathematics) (Paperback)

On the one hand, this book, like all Dover Mathematics books, is fairly dense, with few examples or pictures. It's a difficult read, but, again, like all Dover books, is totally comprehensive.

Now, on the other hand, this book is, hands down, the cheapest abstract algebra book you will ever find (again, this is a trait of Dover). When I bought this book on Amazon, I searched for "Abstract Algebra", and despaired when I saw prices like $80.00, $90.00, etc. To find a good textbook for under $20.00 is a godsend.

So, basically, if you're willing to put some effort into this book and plow through it (and it's no more dense, really, than most math textbooks), it's very rewarding.