Customer Reviews

Introduction to Abstract Algebra

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The first time I took Abstract Algebra. I used Herstein's text the most cryptic text I have yet to use. I read the book cover to cover several times and still lacked a firm grasp on the material. Nicholson's book takes the time to present many examples and to thoroughly cover each topic. The examples of groups most frequently discussed are all placed at the beginning allowing the reader to have many examples to go on. While the book is not a terse reference it is a great introduction to the world of abstract algebra. It gives the undergraduate a chance to make that large step to this higher level of abstraction. However, the exercises are a little easy and the counterside to the above is that it is quite long.

As a new student that is new to proofs and Abstract algebra, I found this book hard to read and hard to follow. The language itself is very difficult and spares a lot of words.
Granted, if you are somewhat familiar with abstract algebra and the terminology the book might not be as difficult. However, I had to buy two other books in order to understand the material.

Although it's loaded with information and even covers the basic information, my other books expressed it in clearer language and walked me thorough the beginning proofs, much better than this book did.

If you are brand new to the subject, I don't recommend using this book.

In addition the glue/binding in the middle of the book starts to tear, so groups of pages will become lose if you are not careful. It happened to my book, as well as the books of my class mates even though we bought it from different sources.

I received my item fast and in the condition it was described. Great Seller! A+++++++++++