Classical Topology and Combinatorial Group Theory

Graduate Texts in Mathematics #72

by John Stillwell

This is a well-balanced introduction to topology that stresses geometric aspects. Focusing on historical background and visual interpretation of results, it emphasizes spaces with few dimensions, where visualization is possible, and interaction with combinatorial group theory via the fundamental group. It also present algorithms for topological problems. Most of the results and proofs are known, but some have been simplified or placed in a new perspective. Over 300 illustrations, many interesting exercises, and challenging open problems are included. New in this edition is a chapter on unsolvable problems, which includes the first textbook proof that the main problem of topology, the homeomorphism problem, is unsolvable.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Geometry

301 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 1980

About the author

John Colin Stillwell (born 1942) is an Australian mathematician on the faculties of the University of San Francisco and Monash University