Intended for beginning graduate-level courses, this text introduces various aspects of the theory of abstract algebra. The book is also suitable as independent reading for interested students at that level as well as a primary source for a one-semester course that an instructor may supplement to expand to a full year. Author Richard S. Pierce, a Professor of Mathematics at Seattle's University of Washington, places considerable emphasis on applications of the theory and focuses particularly on lattice theory.
After a preliminary review of set theory, the treatment presents the basic definitions of the theory of abstract algebras. Each of the next four chapters focuses on a major theme of universal algebra: subdirect decompositions, direct decompositions, free algebras, and varieties of algebras. Problems and a Bibliography supplement the text.