Abstract Algebra: A First Course

by Dan Saracino

The simplicity of the language, the organization of the ideas, and the conciseness with completeness are this book's main strengths as it introduces abstract algebra. It plunges directly into algebraic structures and incorporates an unusually large number of examples to clarify abstract concepts as they arise. Theorem proofs do more than just prove the stated results, they are examined so readers can gain a better impression of where the proofs come from and why they proceed as they do. Most of the exercises range from easy to moderately difficult and ask for understanding of ideas rather than flashes of insight.

Genres: Mathematics, Nonfiction, Algebra, Reference, Textbooks

233 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1992

Reviews

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good intro book for abstract algebra. It's short and sweet, but according to people who know more about the subject than I do, it has everything you should get in a first course. The style is conversational with lots of examples, but is not overly wordy. The theorems stand out visually from the page enough to find them, and a good amount of details are omitted as exercises. The problems are a good mix of difficulty. Comparing it to Lang I see now that they are a bit on the easy side, but still time-consuming and non-trivial, especially the later ones in the set. Almost all are proof-based.

[meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book while taking Professor Saracino’s Abstract Algebra course at Colgate University. I absolutely loved the class and the book. Concepts are explained clearly and precisely, examples and exercises are interesting, and Saracino’s passion for mathematics and friendly personality shine through the text.

[Babak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read about group theory many years ago. It is a basic book on Group, Ring and Field Theories. But I have to say I've never seen any other book explaining the abstract concepts this beautifully. After you read this book, you kind of wish that all the books in mathematics were written like this :]

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waveland Press always seems to have great textbooks