Module Theory : Endomorphism Rings and Direct Sum Decompositions in Some Classes of Modules

This expository monograph was written for three reasons. Firstly, we wanted to present the solution to a problem posed by Wolfgang Krull in 1932 [Krull 32]. He asked whether what we now call the "Krull-Schmidt Theorem" holds for ar­ tinian modules. The problem remained open for 63 years: its solution, a negative answer to Krull's question, was published only in 1995 (see [Facchini, Herbera, Levy and Vamos]). Secondly, we wanted to present the answer to a question posed by Warfield in 1975 [Warfield 75]. He proved that every finitely pre­ sented module over a serial ring is a direct sum of uniserial modules, and asked if such a decomposition was unique. In other words, Warfield asked whether the "Krull-Schmidt Theorem" holds for serial modules. The solution to this problem, a negative answer again, appeared in [Facchini 96]. Thirdly, the so­ lution to Warfield's problem shows interesting behavior, a rare phenomenon in the history of Krull-Schmidt type theorems. Essentially, the Krull-Schmidt Theorem holds for some classes of modules and not for others. When it does hold, any two indecomposable decompositions are uniquely determined up to a permutation, and when it does not hold for a class of modules, this is proved via an example. For serial modules the Krull-Schmidt Theorem does not hold, but any two indecomposable decompositions are uniquely determined up to two permutations. We wanted to present such a phenomenon to a wider math­ ematical audience.

The purpose of this expository monograph is three-fold. First, the solution of a problem posed by Wolfgang Krull in 1932 is presented. He asked whether what is now called the "Krull-Schmidt Theorem" holds for artinian modules. A negative answer was published only in 1995 by Facchini, Herbera, Levy and Vámos. Second, the answer to a question posed by Warfield in 1975, namely, whether the Krull-Schmidt-Theorem holds for serial modules, is described. Facchini published a negative answer in 1996. The solution to the Warfield problem shows an interesting behavior; in fact, it is a phenomena so rare in the history of Krull-Schmidt type theorems that its presentation to a wider mathematical audience provides the third incentive for this monograph. Briefly, the Krull-Schmidt-Theorem holds for some, not all, classes of modules. When it does hold, any two indecomposable decompositions are uniquely determined up to one permutation. For serial modules the theorem does not hold, but any two indecomposable decompositions are uniquely determined up to two permutations.

Apart from these issues, the book addresses various topics in module theory and ring theory, some now considered classical (such as Goldie dimension, semiperfect rings, Krull dimension, rings of quotients, and their applications) and others more specialized (such as dual Goldie dimension, semilocal endomorphism rings, serial rings and modules, exchange property, (sigma)-pure-injective modules). Open problems conclude the work.

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Besides its research value, this book is a considerable addition to the list of fundamental books in rings and modules. It is written carefully with necessary backgrounds developed in a logical way. There are many fundamental points worked out in the book. All these make the book an excellent contribution to the development of module and ring theory, and a source of reference. Algebraists will certainly enjoy themselves in reading this book.

(Zentralblatt MATH)

This excellent book on module and ring theory (...) contains three kind of topics: classical topics, (...) specialized topics, (...) the solutions to two famous problems, together with the presentation of a rare phenomenon.

(Mathematica)