Most texts on algebraic topology emphasize homological algebra, with topological considerations limited to a few propositions about the geometry of simplicial complexes. There is much to be gained however, by using the more sophisticated concept of cell (CW) complex. Even for simple computations, this concept ordinarily allows us to bypass much tedious algebra and often gives geometric insight into the homology and homotopy theory of a space. For example, the easiest way to calculate and interpret the homology of Cpn, complex projective n-space, is by means of a cellular decomposition with only n+ 1 cells. Also, by a suitable construction we can "realize" the sin gular complex of a space as a CW complex and perhaps thus give a more geometric basis for some arguments involving singular homology theory for general spaces and a more concrete basis for singular ho motopy type. As a fInal example, if we start with the category of sim plicial complexes and maps, common topological constructions such as the formation of product spaces, identifIcation spaces, and adjunction spaces lead us often into the category of CW complexes. These topics, among others, are usually not treated thoroughly in a standard text, and the interested student must fInd them scattered through the literature. This book is a study of CW complexes. It is intended to supplement and be used concurrently with a standard text on algebraic topology.

Most texts on algebraic topology emphasize homological algebra, with topological considerations limited to a few propositions about the geometry of simplicial complexes. There is much to be gained however, by using the more sophisticated concept of cell (CW) complex. Even for simple computations, this concept ordinarily allows us to bypass much tedious algebra and often gives geometric insight into the homology and homotopy theory of a space. For example, the easiest way to calculate and interpret the homology of Cpn, complex projective n-space, is by means of a cellular decomposition with only n+ 1 cells. Also, by a suitable construction we can "realize" the sin gular complex of a space as a CW complex and perhaps thus give a more geometric basis for some arguments involving singular homology theory for general spaces and a more concrete basis for singular ho motopy type. As a fInal example, if we start with the category of sim plicial complexes and maps, common topological constructions such as the formation of product spaces, identifIcation spaces, and adjunction spaces lead us often into the category of CW complexes. These topics, among others, are usually not treated thoroughly in a standard text, and the interested student must fInd them scattered through the literature. This book is a study of CW complexes. It is intended to supplement and be used concurrently with a standard text on algebraic topology.

This introduction to some basic ideas in algebraic topology is devoted to the foundations and applications of homology theory. After the essentials of singular homology and some important applications are given, successive topics covered include attaching spaces, finite CW complexes, cohomology products, manifolds, Poincare duality, and fixed point theory. This second edition includes a chapter on covering spaces and many new exercises.

This book describes the construction and the properties of CW-complexes. These spaces are important because firstly they are the correct framework for homotopy theory, and secondly most spaces that arise in pure mathematics are of this type. The authors discuss the foundations and also developments, for example, the theory of finite CW-complexes, CW-complexes in relation to the theory of fibrations, and Milnor's work on spaces of the type of CW-complexes. They establish very clearly the relationship between CW-complexes and the theory of simplicial complexes, which is developed in great detail. Exercises are provided throughout the book; some are straightforward, others extend the text in a non-trivial way. For the latter; further reference is given for their solution. Each chapter ends with a section sketching the historical development. An appendix gives basic results from topology, homology and homotopy theory. These features will aid graduate students, who can use the work as a course text. As a contemporary reference work it will be essential reading for the more specialized workers in algebraic topology and homotopy theory.

A systematic exposition of the theory and practice of ends of manifolds and CW complexes, not previously available.

This book describes the construction and the properties of CW-complexes. These spaces are important because firstly they are the correct framework for homotopy theory, and secondly most spaces that arise in pure mathematics are of this type. The authors discuss the foundations and also developments, for example, the theory of finite CW-complexes, CW-complexes in relation to the theory of fibrations, and Milnor's work on spaces of the type of CW-complexes. They establish very clearly the relationship between CW-complexes and the theory of simplicial complexes, which is developed in great detail. Exercises are provided throughout the book; some are straightforward, others extend the text in a non-trivial way. For the latter; further reference is given for their solution. Each chapter ends with a section sketching the historical development. An appendix gives basic results from topology, homology and homotopy theory. These features will aid graduate students, who can use the work as a course text. As a contemporary reference work it will be essential reading for the more specialized workers in algebraic topology and homotopy theory.