How accessible is Bott & Tu's book on algebraic topology?

[petergreat]

Recently a professor recommended Bott & Tu's Differential Forms in Algebraic Topology to me. My knowledge of algebraic topology is at the level of Munkres' book. Would Bott & Tu's book be too advanced for me to understand at this stage?

 

[quasar987]

It depends on how smart\sharp a kid you are... The only way to know is to give it a shot.

Have you been submitted to an introduction to manifolds yet? If not, Tu has written a book on that specifically to serve as a bridge between undergrad level math and an appropriate level to read Bott-Tu. It is called "An introduction to manifolds".

 

[petergreat]

Thanks for the advice. I know some manifold stuff from some informal introduction in physics courses but I suppose I'll read more about it before I take on Bott and Tu.

 

[mathwonk]

open the book. it won't bite you.

 

[Landau]

My knowledge of algebraic topology is at the level of Munkres' book. Would Bott & Tu's book be too advanced for me to understand at this stage?

You know, Munkres has written (at least) two books on topology: 'Topology' (the most well-known one with a lot of point-set topology and a bit of algebraic topology), and 'Elements Of Algebraic Topology'. Probably you meant the first one?

I have been meaning to read Boot & Tu myself, I have heard great things about it.

 

[mathwonk]

I am going to argue that even average students like me should read great books by stars like bott. that is really the only way we can aspire to the level of better mathematicians. Do not let the smart guys haVE A MONOPOLY ON READING THE BEST BOOKS! books by th greats can transform us into something different.