Which Textbook for Studying Homotopy is Best for Beginners?

[homology]

Hello,

I've been studiing homotopy this semester in a readings course out of Munkres Topology book. I'm in the mismash about free groups, wedgies of circles and pasting stuff. Could you recommend a lower level text that I could peruse as a supplemental text? Something a bit more explicit for those times when I'm dumber than usual.

Your responses are appreciated, thank you...

homology

 

[mathwonk]

well munkres is usually considered about as explicit and user friendly as books come, but there is a lower level book on the first homotopy group, i.e. the "fundamental group", that i started on and appreciated very much as a college student. It is by Andrew Wallace, and all his books are written to be understood.

this might be it, but it would be wise to search in your library.

Wallace, Andrew H.
Algebraic Topology: International Series of Monographs in Pure and Applied Mathematics
Pergamon Press, 1957 Good/No Jacket. Slight signs of wear. Paperclip embossment to front endpapers. Binding is Cloth.
Bookseller Inventory #000130


Price: US$ 22.00 (Convert Currency)
Shipping: Rates & Speed

Bookseller: Black Oak Books 2, ABAA, 630 Irving Street, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A., 94122
(Search this Bookseller's Books) (More Bookseller Information)

Terms of Sale: Shipping: $7.00 1st book within U.S. (UPS Ground-trackable and automatically insured up to $100.00.) Each additional book is $2.50. Media mail & other alternatives are available. Shipping outside U.S.: Costs vary. We ship USPS Global Priority or via air or surface parcel post; other alternatives available. Please specify the method of shipment, or speed of shipment you would prefer. We ship Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express.

We welcome phone calls at 415-564-0877 between the hours of 10am and 5pm Pacific time. At other times call our order line at 415-564-0879.
Shipping Terms: Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Accepted Payment Methods:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
- Cheque
- Money Order

 

[homology]

Thanks, my library has a copy so I'll check that out tomorrow. You're right Munkres is pretty clear, however every once and a while I get the rigor-blues.

Thanks,

Homology

 

[mathwonk]

wallace has another book, a more recent one with covering spaces and classification of compact surfaces as well as fundamental groups. at elast i thinkj that was wallace, but this one is the one i started on.