This textbook provides a succinct introduction to algebraic topology. It follows a modern categorical approach from the beginning and gives ample motivation throughout so that students will find this an ideal first encounter to the field. Topics are treated in a self-contained manner, making this a convenient resource for instructors searching for a comprehensive overview of the area. It begins with an outline of category theory, establishing the concepts of functors, natural transformations, adjunction, limits, and colimits. As a first application, van Kampen's theorem is proven in the groupoid version. Following this, an excursion to cofibrations and homotopy pushouts yields an alternative formulation of the theorem that puts the computation of fundamental groups of attaching spaces on firm ground. Simplicial homology is then defined, motivating the Eilenberg-Steenrod axioms, and the simplicial approximation theorem is proven. After verifying the axioms for singular homology, various versions of the Mayer-Vietoris sequence are derived and it is shown that homotopy classes of self-maps of spheres are classified by degree.The final chapter discusses cellular homology of CW complexes, culminating in the uniqueness theorem for ordinary homology. Introduction to Algebraic Topology is suitable for a single-semester graduate course on algebraic topology. It can also be used for self-study, with numerous examples, exercises, and motivating remarks included.

Algebraic topology is a basic part of modern mathematics, and some knowledge of this area is indispensable for any advanced work relating to geometry, including topology itself, differential geometry, algebraic geometry, and Lie groups. This book provides a detailed treatment of algebraic topology both for teachers of the subject and for advanced graduate students in mathematics either specializing in this area or continuing on to other fields. J. Peter May's approach reflects the enormous internal developments within algebraic topology over the past several decades, most of which are largely unknown to mathematicians in other fields. But he also retains the classical presentations of various topics where appropriate. Most chapters end with problems that further explore and refine the concepts presented. The final four chapters provide sketches of substantial areas of algebraic topology that are normally omitted from introductory texts, and the book concludes with a list of suggested readings for those interested in delving further into the field.

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 self-contained treatment begins with three chapters on the basics of point-set topology, after which it proceeds to homology groups and continuous mapping, barycentric subdivision, and simplicial complexes. 1961 edition.

This English translation of a Russian book presents the basic notions of differential and algebraic topology, which are indispensable for specialists and useful for research mathematicians and theoretical physicists. In particular, ideas and results are introduced related to manifolds, cell spaces, coverings and fibrations, homotopy groups, homology and cohomology, intersection index, etc. The author notes, "The lecture note origins of the book left a significant imprint on itsstyle. It contains very few detailed proofs: I tried to give as many illustrations as possible and to show what really occurs in topology, not always explaining why it occurs." He concludes, "As a rule, only those proofs (or sketches of proofs) that are interesting per se and have importantgeneralizations are presented."

An introductory textbook suitable for use in a course or for self-study, featuring broad coverage of the subject and a readable exposition, with many examples and exercises.

Based on lectures to advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students, this is a thorough, sophisticated, and modern treatment of elementary algebraic topology, essentially from a homotopy theoretic viewpoint. Author C.R.F. Maunder provides examples and exercises; and notes and references at the end of each chapter trace the historical development of the subject.