Groups and Geometry

"Groups and Geometry" contains the Oxford Mathematical Institute notes for undergraduates and first-year postgraduates. The content, although guided by the Oxford syllabus, covers other material, some introductory and some that, because of limited time, had to be excluded from or curtailed in the syllabus. This book is about the measurement of symmetry, which is what groups are for. Symmetry is visable in all parts of mathematics and in many other areas, and geometrical symmetry is the most visable of all. For this reason, groups and geometry are close neighbours. The first half of the book (chapters 1-9) covers groups and the second half (chapters 10-18) covers geometry, with the symbiotic relationship between the two more than justifying the union. Both parts contain a number of exercises that should be helpful to the reader wishing to gain a fuller understanding of this area of mathematics.

'develops a comprehensive group-theoretic approach to affine, projective and inversive geometry ... It ends with a fascinating chapter on the group theory behind the Rubik cube.' Ian Stewart, New Scientist, 'Both parts contain a number of exercises that will be invaluable to any reader wishing to gain a fuller understanding of this area of mathematics.' Extrait de L'Enseignement Mathematique, T. 40 1994, The book can be recommended warmly for any interested reader. "Monatshefte fur Mathematik No.3 1996., delightful book ... The group theory is directed towards group actions, but all the basic material is there.