A Basic Course in Algebraic Topology (Graduate Texts in Mathematics) (v. 127) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "The topological concept of a surface or 2-dimensional manifold is a mathematical abstraction of the familiar concept of a surface made of paper, sheet metal,..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Review

W.S. Massey

A Basic Course in Algebraic Topology

"In the minds of many people algebraic topology is a subject which is ‘esoteric, specialized, and disjoint from the overall sweep of mathematical thought.’ This straightforward introduction to the subject, by a recognized authority, aims to dispel that point of view by emphasizing: 1. the geometric motivation for the various concepts and 2. the applications to other areas."—BULLETIN OF THE IRISH MATHEMATICS SOCIETY

Product Description

This book is intended to serve as a textbook for a course in algebraic topology at the beginning graduate level. The main topics covered are the classification of compact 2-manifolds, the fundamental group, covering spaces, singular homology theory, and singular cohomology theory. These topics are developed systematically, avoiding all unecessary definitions, terminology, and technical machinery. Wherever possible, the geometric motivation behind the various concepts is emphasized. The text consists of material from the first five chapters of the author's earlier book, ALGEBRAIC TOPOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION (GTM 56), together with almost all of the now out-of-print SINGULAR HOMOLOGY THEORY (GTM 70). The material from the earlier books has been carefully revised, corrected, and brought up to date.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 428 pages
• Publisher: Springer; Corrected edition (May 29, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038797430X
• ISBN-13: 978-0387974309
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #235,685 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent text on algebraic topology, March 26, 2000

By A Customer

The text contains material from the author's earlier two books; Algebraic Topology: An Introduction (GTM 56), and Singular Homology Theory (GTM 70). The book starts with an introductory chapter on 2-manifolds and then continues with the fundamental group; which is conceptually easier than homology, with which some books on algebraic topology start. The only prerequisite for this book is a basic knowledge of general topology; and the book is easily accessible to anyone studying on his own. In short, I recommend the book to anyone interested in algebraic topology.