Basic Algebra

Basic Algebra and Advanced Algebra systematically develop concepts and tools in algebra that are vital to every mathematician, whether pure or applied, aspiring or established. Together, the two books give the reader a global view of algebra and its role in mathematics as a whole.

The exposition proceeds from the particular to the general, often providing examples well before a theory that incorporates them. The presentation includes blocks of problems that introduce additional topics and applications to science and engineering to guide further study. Many examples and hundreds of problems are included, along with a separate 90-page section giving hints or complete solutions for most of the problems.

Basic Algebra presents the subject matter in a forward-looking way that takes into account its historical development. It is suitable as a text in a two-semester advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate sequence in algebra, possibly supplemented by some material from Advanced Algebra at the graduate level. It requires of the reader only familiarity with matrix algebra, an understanding of the geometry and reduction of linear equations, and an acquaintance with proofs.

From the reviews:

Finally, the author's notorious masterly style of writing, which stands out by its high degree of clarity, elegance, refinement, and accuracy, also rules over this newest textbook of his, which is very likely to become one of the great standard texts in algebra for generations.   —Zentralblatt Math

``Anthony W. Knapp Basic Algebra aims to teach the student algebra in a somewhat different way than is the norm. Together with its sequel, Advanced Algebra, the book proposes to take an aspiring mathematician from his first exposure to algebra proper, right after calculus, through his graduate training in algebra -- and a bit further...

``To use Basic Algebra in a standard undergraduate curriculum would entail spreading the material over several semesters, since the book can be used for linear algebra, group theory (Chapter IV is a gem!), rings and fields, Galois theory, a second course in group theory, and even a course on modules.

``Basic Algebra is a very interesting and well-written book, and is indeed well suited for the approach to algebra the author intends, and, for that matter, usable for commonplace approaches as well."    —MAA Reviews

"This is a basic textbook in abstract algebra suitable for a first-year graduate algebra course or perhaps a rather challenging upper level undergraduate course. … The appendices contain some basic set theory. … There are many interesting problems, in which a considerable amount of additional material is developed. In particular the theme of coding theory is pursued through many of the chapter exercises and topics such as MacWilliams identity and BCH codes are broached." (Ronald Solomon, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2007 e)

“This book is written as a textbook for students who are learning algebra for the first time. Much of the material corresponds to the contents of a usual algebra course. … numerousfurther topics are included which go beyond the level of an undergraduate or even first year graduate student.” (H. Mitsch, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 156 (4), April, 2009)