Topology: A Very Short Introduction

Description

This book explores the mathematical field of topology, giving a sense of the visual elements of the field, as well as the formal definition of continuity. Considering some of the eye-opening examples that led mathematicians to study topology, it pays homage to the historical people, problems, and surprises that propelled the growth of the field.

• Explores the mathematical field of topology, giving a sense of the visual elements of the field, as well as the formal definition of continuity
• Discusses the important implications of topology, a major field of maths, for science more generally, especially physics
• Considers some of the eye-opening examples that led mathematicians to recognize a need for studying topology
• Pays homage to the historical people, problems, and surprises that propelled the growth of the field
• Part of the Very Short Introductions series - over ten million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Richard Earl, Senior Tutor in Mathematics at Worcester College, Oxford University

Dr Richard Earl is Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Mathematical Institute, Oxford University, and Senior Tutor in Mathematics at Worcester College, Oxford. He has taught topology at undergraduate and graduate level, as well as presenting the topic to secondary school students. He is the author of Towards Higher Mathematics: A Companion (CUP, 2017).

Table of Contents

1:What is Topology?
2:Making Surfaces
3:Thinking Continuously
4:The Plane and Other Spaces
5:Flavours of Topology
6:More on Surfaces
7: Knot to Be
Historical Timeline
Further Reading
Index

Reviews

"The book is written in an intuitive, informal and motivating style, with emphasis on concepts, ideas, examples and historical comments, and can be recommended as parallel reading for students of a basic course in topology." - Bruno Zimmermann, zbMATH