Elliptic Curves: Function Theory, Geometry, Arithmetic - Softcover

McKean, Henry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521658179 ISBN 13: 9780521658171

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1999

Synopsis

The subject of elliptic curves is one of the jewels of nineteenth-century mathematics, whose masters were Abel, Gauss, Jacobi, and Legendre. This book presents an introductory account of the subject in the style of the original discoverers, with references to and comments about more recent and modern developments. It combines three of the fundamental themes of mathematics: complex function theory, geometry, and arithmetic. After an informal preparatory chapter, the book follows a historical path, beginning with the work of Abel and Gauss on elliptic integrals and elliptic functions. This is followed by chapters on theta functions, modular groups and modular functions, the quintic, the imaginary quadratic field, and on elliptic curves. The many exercises with hints scattered throughout the text give the reader a glimpse of further developments. Requiring only a first acquaintance with complex function theory, this book is an ideal introduction to the subject for graduate students and researchers in mathematics and physics.

About this title

Review

'The book is a welcome extension of the existing literature about this important topic ... It is recommended to students of mathematics and physics interested in the applications of the theory and the theory itself.' European Mathematical Society

'With an easy mind the reviewer can recommend this book to those who want to become acquainted with the subject and to those who look for a book which can serve as guide for a course on the subject ... the exemplary way in which Elliptic Curves is written, made reviewing a pleasure.' Niew Archief voor Wiskunde

Book Description

This 1997 book presents the subject of elliptic curves in the style of its nineteenth-century discoverers, with references to and comments about more modern developments. Requiring only a first acquaintance with complex function theory, it is an ideal introduction to the subject for students of mathematics and physics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0521658179
• ISBN 13: 9780521658171
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 298