Exploring several of the evolutionary branches of the mathematical notion of genus, this book traces the idea from its prehistory in problems of integration, through algebraic curves and their associated Riemann surfaces, into algebraic surfaces, and finally into higher dimensions. Its importance in analysis, algebraic geometry, number theory and topology is emphasized through many theorems. Almost every chapter is organized around excerpts from a research paper in which a new perspective was brought on the genus or on one of the objects to which this notion applies. The author was motivated by the belief that a subject may best be understood and communicated by studying its broad lines of development, feeling the way one arrives at the definitions of its fundamental notions, and appreciating the amount of effort spent in order to explore its phenomena.

Presents, through the works of the pioneers, the sophisticated evolution of one of the most important notions of geometry and topology Features many illustrations which aid the understanding of the more complicated constructions Excepting M. Audin's novel La formule de Stokes, there are no similar books Explains many connections between analysis, algebra, number theory, geometry and topology Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt
Preface.-Introduction.-Algebraic curves.-Algebraic surfaces.-Higher dimensions.-Epilogue.-Bibliography.-Index.