A First Course in Algebraic Topology

by Czes Kosniowski

This self-contained introduction to algebraic topology is suitable for a number of topology courses. It consists of about one quarter 'general topology' (without its usual pathologies) and three quarters 'algebraic topology' (centred around the fundamental group, a readily grasped topic which gives a good idea of what algebraic topology is). The book has emerged from courses given at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to senior undergraduates and beginning postgraduates. It has been written at a level which will enable the reader to use it for self-study as well as a course book. The approach is leisurely and a geometric flavour is evident throughout. The many illustrations and over 350 exercises will prove invaluable as a teaching aid. This account will be welcomed by advanced students of pure mathematics at colleges and universities.

Genres: Mathematics

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only skipped the part about van Kampen theorems. Very good introductory algebraic topology textbooks which can cover large amount of topics that are "teachable" very early. If one needs higher level tools like short exact sequence or other aspects of algebraic topology e.g. homology theory, other books such as those of Munkres will be necessary. It was a surprise that this book is able to teach much at the level of undergraduates.

[Leonhard Euler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Limited in scope. It'd be more valuable if it didn't try being an introduction to algebraic topology while also being an introduction to topology. It doesn't even mention bases. Also the typesetting kind of sucks.