An Introduction to Knot Theory (Graduate Texts in Mathematics) [Hardcover]

W.B.Raymond Lickorish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 1997 | ISBN-10: 038798254X | ISBN-13: 978-0387982540 | Edition: 1

A selection of topics which graduate students have found to be a successful introduction to the field, employing three distinct techniques: geometric topology manoeuvres, combinatorics, and algebraic topology. Each topic is developed until significant results are achieved and each chapter ends with exercises and brief accounts of the latest research. What may reasonably be referred to as knot theory has expanded enormously over the last decade and, while the author describes important discoveries throughout the twentieth century, the latest discoveries such as quantum invariants of 3-manifolds as well as generalisations and applications of the Jones polynomial are also included, presented in an easily intelligible style. Readers are assumed to have knowledge of the basic ideas of the fundamental group and simple homology theory, although explanations throughout the text are numerous and well-done. Written by an internationally known expert in the field, this will appeal to graduate students, mathematicians and physicists with a mathematical background wishing to gain new insights in this area.

Editorial Reviews

Review

W.B.R. Lickorish An Introduction to Knot Theory "This essential introduction to vital areas of mathematics with connections to physics, while intended for graduate students, should fall within the ken of motivated upper-division undergraduates."—CHOICE

Product Details

• Hardcover: 230 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (October 3, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038798254X
• ISBN-13: 978-0387982540
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,175,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and intriguing, June 8, 2008

By 

J. Conant (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Knot Theory (Graduate Texts in Mathematics) (Hardcover)

The level of detail in this book is just right. It provides complete and rigorous proofs without getting bogged down in too much detail. In addition to some other knot theory standards, it has an excellent section on 3-manifold invariants arising from the Temperley-Lieb algebra. This book is appropriate for those who have a knowledge of algebraic topology.