Learn Riemannian Geometry: Resources for Self-Learners

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for background texts and resources to prepare for studying Riemannian Geometry. Participants seek materials that provide the necessary mathematical rigor and worked examples suitable for self-learners, particularly focusing on prerequisites like calculus and differential geometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests recommendations for texts that build the necessary prerequisites for Riemannian Geometry, emphasizing the need for mathematical rigor.
  • Another participant suggests Manfredo P. Do Carmo's "Riemannian Geometry" but notes that while it is well-structured, it may present challenges with problem sets. They also recommend the earlier work "Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces" as a preparatory text.
  • A different participant recommends Spivak's "Calculus on Manifolds" as a foundational text for multivariate calculus, asserting it is essential for progressing to differential and Riemannian geometry.
  • Another suggestion includes a book that offers unique numerical algorithms related to the differential geometry of surfaces, along with source codes and practical examples, which may appeal to those interested in applied aspects.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various recommendations without a clear consensus on a single best resource. Multiple competing views on suitable preparatory texts remain, reflecting differing opinions on the best approach to learning Riemannian Geometry.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express concerns about the level of rigor required for certain texts, indicating that prior knowledge may influence the effectiveness of the recommended resources. There is also a mention of the potential difficulty of problem sets in some suggested books.

Who May Find This Useful

Self-learners interested in Riemannian Geometry, those seeking foundational knowledge in calculus and differential geometry, and individuals looking for practical applications of differential geometry may find this discussion beneficial.

pamparana
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Can someone recommend some background texts which can build me up with the necessary pre-requisites to learn about Riemannian Geometry? I have been self studying single and multi variable calculus but lack the mathematical rigour. Some resources/textbooks that can cover the background material with worked examples and be suitable for self-learner would be greatly appreciated!
 
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I would encourage you to try https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=dp_byl...Do+Carmo&sort=relevancerank&tag=pfamazon01-20 Riemannian Geometry. However, it's a bit like the Feynman Lectures: everything seems so sensible and logical the way he lays it out, but you may find that you are not prepared for the problem sets. In that case, you could try the "prequel", Differential Geometry of Curves and Surfaces.

John Lee's books are popular with the PF crowd, but I'm not familiar with them:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1441999817/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387983228/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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If you lack the rigour to study Riemannian geometry comfortably, try working through Spivak's "Calculus on Manifolds". It is the single book I would recommend for studying multivariate calculus, and it paves the way to differential and Riemannian geometry.
 
From the practical point of view, you might be interested in the following book (it contains some unique numerical algorithms related to the differential geometry of surfaces, together with complete source codes in C/C++ and practical examples):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0646594044/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 

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