A course in group theory

John F. Humphreys9780198534594, 0-19-853459-0, 0198534531

Research in group theory have resulted in a large number of books written for postgraduates in the subject, but a good introductory text is difficult to find. This book fills the gap, providing a clear and comprehensive introduction to the theory of groups and covering all topics likely to be encountered in undergraduate courses. Introductory chapters explain the concepts of group, subgroup and normal subgroup, and quotient group. The homomorphism and isomorphism theorems are explained, along with an introduction to G-sets. Subsequent chapters deal with finite abelian groups, the Jordan-Holder theorem, soluble groups, p-groups, and group extensions. The numerous worked examples and exercises in this excellent and self-contained introduction will also encourage undergraduates (and first year graduates) to further study.