Modern Abstract Algebra

Although she was famous as the "mother of modern algebra," Emmy Noether’s life and work have never been the subject of an authoritative scientific biography. Emmy Noether – Mathematician Extraordinaire represents the most comprehensive study of this singularly important mathematician to date. Focusing on key turning points, it aims to provide an overall interpretation of Noether’s intellectual development while offering a new assessment of her role in transforming the mathematics of the twentieth century.

The name Emmy Noether is one of the most celebrated in the history of mathematics. A brilliant algebraist and iconic figure for women in modern science, Noether exerted a strong influence on the younger mathematicians of her time and long thereafter; today, she is known worldwide as the "mother of modern algebra."

This textbook originates from a course taught by the late Ken Ireland in 1972. Designed to explore the theoretical underpinnings of undergraduate mathematics, the course focused on interrelationships and hands-on experience. Readers of this textbook will be taken on a modern rendering of Ireland’s path of discovery, consisting of excursions into number theory, algebra, and analysis. Replete with surprising connections, deep insights, and brilliantly curated invitations to try problems at just the right moment, this journey weaves a rich body of knowledge that is ideal for those going on to study or teach mathematics.