This elegant book by distinguished mathematician John Milnor, provides a clear and succinct introduction to one of the most important subjects in modern mathematics. Beginning with basic concepts such as diffeomorphisms and smooth manifolds, he goes on to examine tangent spaces, oriented manifolds, and vector fields. Key concepts such as homotopy, ...more
We all played tag when we were kids. The rules couldn't be easier--one player is designated "it" and must try to tag out one of the others. What most of us don't realize is that this simple chase game is in fact an application of pursuit theory, and that the same principles of games like tag, dodgeball, and hide-and-seek are at play in military str...more
Addressing physicists and mathematicians alike, this book discusses the finite dimensional representation theory of sl(2), both classical and quantum. Covering representations of U(sl(2)), quantum sl(2), the quantum trace and color representations, and the Turaev-Viro invariant, this work is useful to graduate students and professionals.The classic...more
This book, first published in 1990, gives a general account of diagram manipulation techniques, as alternatives to algebraic methods of proof, in theoretical physics. Methods reviewed by the author include the popular techniques pioneered by Jucys and collaborators in the quantum theory of angular momentum and by Feynman in quantum field theory. Th...more
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 which graduate students have found to be a successful introduction to the field. Three distinct techniques are employed; Geometric Topology Manoeuvres, Combinatorics, and ...more
This book develops some of the extraordinary richness, beauty, and power of geometry in two and three dimensions, and the strong connection of geometry with topology. Hyperbolic geometry is the star. A strong effort has been made to convey not just denatured formal reasoning (definitions, theorems, and proofs), but a living feeling for the subject....more
This volume covers local as well as global differential geometry of curves and surfaces. *Makes extensive use of elementary linear algebra - with emphasis on basic geometrical facts rather than on machinery or random details. *Stresses the basic ideas of differential geometry - regular surfaces, the Gauss map, covariant derivatives. *Include...more
This compendium contains significant examples of topological spaces, each analyzed in detail. Numbering almost 150, the examples range from the familiar to the obscure and are preceded by a succinct exposition of general topology and basic terminology and theory. Oveer 25 Venn diagrams and reference charts summarize the examples' properties and all...more
One of the many refreshing things about Barack Obama is his self-deprecating sense of humour. Responding to the unrealistic expectations for his presidency, Obama said 'I've been sent by my father from the planet Krypton to save the Earth.' Unfortunately, the irony of this self-comparison to Superman was probably lost on many of his dedicated follo...more