An Introduction to Knot Theory (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, 175) - Hardcover

Lickorish, W.B.Raymond

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 038798254X ISBN 13: 9780387982540

Publisher: Springer, 1997

Synopsis

A selection of topics which graduate students have found to be a successful introduction to the field, employing three distinct techniques: geometric topology manoeuvres, combinatorics, and algebraic topology. Each topic is developed until significant results are achieved and each chapter ends with exercises and brief accounts of the latest research. What may reasonably be referred to as knot theory has expanded enormously over the last decade and, while the author describes important discoveries throughout the twentieth century, the latest discoveries such as quantum invariants of 3-manifolds as well as generalisations and applications of the Jones polynomial are also included, presented in an easily intelligible style. Readers are assumed to have knowledge of the basic ideas of the fundamental group and simple homology theory, although explanations throughout the text are numerous and well-done. Written by an internationally known expert in the field, this will appeal to graduate students, mathematicians and physicists with a mathematical background wishing to gain new insights in this area.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This volume is an introduction to mathematical knot theory - the theory of knots and links of simple closed curves in three-dimensional space. It consists of a selection of topics that graduate students have found to be a successful introduction to the field. Three distinct techniques are employed: geometric topology manoeuvres; combinatorics; and algebraic topology. Each topic is developed until significant results are achieved, and chapters end with exercises and brief accounts of state-of-the-art research. What may reasonably be referred to as knot theory has expanded enormously over the last decade, and while the author describes important discoveries from throughout the twentieth century, the latest discoveries such as quantum invariants of 3-manifolds - as well as generalisations and applications of the Jones polynomial - are also included, presented in an easily understandable style. Thus, this constitutes a comprehensive introduction to the field, presenting modern developments in the context of classical material. Readers are assumed to have knowledge of the basic ideas of the fundamental group and simple homology theory, although explanations throughout the text are plentiful and well done. Written by an internationally known expert in the field, this volume will appeal to graduate students, mathematicians, and physicists with a mathematical background who wish to gain new insights in this area.

Review:

W.B.R. Lickorish

An Introduction to Knot Theory

"This essential introduction to vital areas of mathematics with connections to physics, while intended for graduate students, should fall within the ken of motivated upper-division undergraduates."―CHOICE

About this edition

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 038798254X
• ISBN 13: 9780387982540
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 214