Classical topology and combinatorial group theory
By: John Stillwell ; illustrated with 312 figures by the author.
Edition: 2nd ed.
Series: Graduate texts in mathematics ;; 72
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published: 1993
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 334
Subjects: Topology; Combinatorial group theory
Description: 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.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [307]-318) and index.