Algebra: Abstract and Modern

Preface

This book is designed for a two-semester sequence as a first course in abstract algebra for advanced undergraduate and junior post-graduate students. A glance at the table of contents will reveal the scope of the book; the range of topics covered is reasonably standard, with no major surprises. Our intention is to present a text that is logically developed, precise, and in keeping with the spirit of the times. Guided by the principle that a routine diet of definitions, theorems and results soon becomes unpalatable, we have concentrated on supplementing the concepts with examples and counter-examples and on establishing the important and fruitful results in a formal, rigorous fashion. En route, we have tried to showcase the power and elegance ...