Comparing Topology Textbooks: A Scientist's Perspective

  • Context: Topology 
  • Thread starter Thread starter SrVishi
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the evaluation and comparison of topology textbooks, specifically focusing on "Elementary Topology: A Problem Textbook" by Viro and others, in relation to other well-known texts such as Munkres, Kelley, Dugundji, and Willard. Participants explore the effectiveness of different approaches to learning topology and express interest in similar resources for other mathematical subjects.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in comparing "Elementary Topology: A Problem Textbook" with other topology books, questioning its rigor and material coverage.
  • Several participants affirm the quality of the Viro textbook, suggesting it is excellent if used as intended.
  • Another participant notes that while the Viro book is enjoyable, it will require a significant time investment to complete.
  • There is a desire for more textbooks structured similarly to the Viro book that cover extensive material across various subjects.
  • Participants share links to other problem-oriented books in algebraic geometry and logic, indicating a broader interest in this style of learning.
  • A participant inquires about recommendations for analysis textbooks that follow a similar approach, indicating ongoing exploration of resources.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the quality of the Viro textbook, but there is no consensus on its comparison to other texts or the best resources for analysis, leaving some questions unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify the criteria for comparing the textbooks, and there are no detailed discussions on the specific content or pedagogical approaches of the mentioned books.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or educators looking for recommendations on topology textbooks and those interested in problem-based learning approaches in mathematics.

SrVishi
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Hello, I am trying to relearn Topology. I have already read through a good amount of Munkres' book, but I was thinking of going through another. I have come across "Elementary Topology: A Problem Textbook" http://www.pdmi.ras.ru/~olegviro/topoman/e-unstable.pdf by Viro and others through another thread. Is this a good book? How does this compare to other books such as Munkres, Kelley, Dugundji, and Willard in terms of the amount of material and level? I'd assume that a book that has you essentially work through topology would be a good analogue to a rigorous higher level book such as Kelley and Dugundji (I could be wrong of course). As a note, I won't mind if it doesn't have the best section on Algebraic Topology since I was planning on going through Hatcher's book afterwards. Thanks in advance for any response.
 
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it seems to be an excellent book, especially if you work through it as intended by its authors.
 
Last edited:
Yes, the book is excellent. It's one of my favorite books on topology. It will definitely take a lot of time to get through it though.
 
Thanks for your replies! Well, I have lot's of time to go through with it, and it looks like it will be really fun to go through so I'm excited to get started on it. I wish there were more books that were structured like this that were of this quality and covered this much material for other subjects.
 
Ah, thanks! I really do like the idea of this. DO you know of any good ones for analysis? I have seen a few, but can't decide on which of them.
 

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