In most major universities one of the three or four basic first-year graduate mathematics courses is algebraic topology. This introductory text is suitable for use in a course on the subject or for self-study, featuring broad coverage and a readable exposition, with many examples and exercises. The four main chapters present the basics: fundamental group and covering spaces, homology and cohomology, higher homotopy groups, and homotopy theory generally. The author emphasizes the geometric aspects of the subject, which helps students gain intuition. A unique feature is the inclusion of many optional topics not usually part of a first course due to time constraints: Bockstein and transfer homomorphisms, direct and inverse limits, H-spaces and Hopf algebras, the Brown representability theorem, the James reduced product, the Dold-Thom theorem, and Steenrod squares and powers.

Author: Allen Hatcher
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 12/03/2001
Pages: 556
Weight: 2.25lbs
Size: 9.90h x 7.00w x 1.40d
ISBN: 9780521795401


Review Citation(s):
Choice 10/01/2002 pg. 313