Rings, Fields and Groups: An Introduction to Abstract Algebra [Paperback]

R. B. J. T. Allenby (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0713134763 | ISBN-13: 978-0713134766 | Publication Date: January 1, 1983 | Edition: 2nd

'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.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

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 --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

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. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Arnold; 2nd edition (January 1, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0713134763
• ISBN-13: 978-0713134766
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,785,956 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Algebra for advanced beginners, September 13, 2000

By 

Janus Mens (Copenhagen K Denmark) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rings, Fields and Groups, An Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Paperback)

I used this book as a supplement to a course in algebra at master level. Allenby uses a simple step by step approach to the subject supplied with simple examples and some exercises (not that simple).

What I realy like with this book is the historical tour of algebra and the brief presentation of many of the worlds famoust mathematicians.

I think the simple approach and the historical elements is main reason for still using this book when I am plying with the math.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for self-study, September 21, 2009

By 

Brian Jo - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Rings, Fields and Groups, An Introduction to Abstract Algebra (Paperback)

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 exercise up to Chapter 5, I've found about 5-6 typos in the print, which is decent for a math text. Brief solutions for most problems are in the back, which makes this book ideal for self-study.