Basic Algebra

by Anthony W. Knapp

Basic Algebra and Advanced Algebra systematically develop concepts and tools in algebra that are vital to every mathematician, whether pure or applied, aspiring or established. Together, the two books give the reader a global view of algebra and its role in mathematics as a whole. The presentation includes blocks of problems that introduce additional topics and applications to science and engineering to guide further study. Many examples and hundreds of problems are included, along with a separate 90-page section giving hints or complete solutions for most of the problems.

Genres: Mathematics, Science, Algebra

760 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2006

Reviews

[Eddie]

This is what happens when a professional algebraist stand up and write a masterpiece. I have at least seven other undergraduate/beginning graduate algebra textbooks and Basic Algebra by knapp truly stand way above any of them. It sends both D&F Abstract Algebra and Hungerford's Algebra straight to history shelves of mathematics books. It laughs at the elementary books like Herestein's Topics in Algebra, Artin's Algebra or Fraliegh's A First Course in Abstract Algebra. Professor Knapp's writing style resembles that of Serge Lang yet he has clearer writing style. Like Lang's Algebra he introduces Category theory right in its first chapter on Group theory. The coverage of linear and multi-linear algebra in both finite and infinite dimension is something I've never seen in any other algebra textbook. Better yet he makes the reader see the connection between vector spaces and the rest of algebraic objects.