This book is a concise, self-contained introduction to abstract algebra that stresses its unifying role in geometry and number theory. There is a strong emphasis on historical motivation - both to trace abstract concepts to their concrete roots, but also to show the power of new ideas to solve old problems. This approach shows algebra as an integral part of mathematics and makes this text more informative to both beginners and experts than others.

Autorentext

John Stillwell is a professor of mathematics at the University of San Francisco. He is also an accomplished author, having published several books with Springer, including The Four Pillars of Geometry; Elements of Algebra; Numbers and Geometry; and many more.

Inhalt

1. Algebra and Geometry.- 2. The Rational Numbers.- 3. Numbers in General.- 4. Polynomials.- 5. Fields.- 6. Isomorphisms.- 7. Groups.- 8. Galois Theory of Unsolvability.- 9. Galois Theory of Solvability.- References.