[.ca] Abstract Algebra: A Geometric Approach (ISBN 0133198316)

see below:
I took a course which used this text, and I must say that that class was the least interesting class I have taken in my life. I think that looking at algebra from a geometric standpoint (and vice versa, an equivalent statement) ruins both algebra and geometry. Algebra is beautiful. Geometry is beautiful, but for a different reason. The intersection of their beauty (also, the beauty of their intersection) is the null set.

A clear and well organized book.:
I took Ted Shifrin's Abstract Algebra course at UGA using the lecture notes that eventually became this book. Shifrin is one of the most decorated mathematics teachers around; his skill at presentation and his concern for student understanding come through in this book. A course taught from this book will, of course, reflect its instructors abilities and compatibility with the text. As a book to read yourself this is an outstanding text. The geometric flavor of the book works extremely well for the geometrically inclined. Because of its focus on clear instruction, its weakest role is as a reference book. If they'd only release a second edition fixing the books typos this would be more solid five star text. \o...\c