An introduction to one of the most celebrated theories of mathematics

Galois theory is one of the jewels of mathematics. Its intrinsic beauty, dramatic history, and deep connections to other areas of mathematics give Galois theory an unequaled richness. David Cox’s Galois Theory helps readers understand not only the elegance of the ideas but also where they came from and how they relate to the overall sweep of mathematics.

Galois Theory covers classic applications of the theory, such as solvability by radicals, geometric constructions, and finite fields. The book also delves into more novel topics, including Abel’s theory of Abelian equations, the problem of expressing real roots by real radicals (the casus irreducibilis), and the Galois theory of origami. Anyone fascinated by abstract algebra will find careful discussions of such topics as: