The best edition of Fraleigh's Abstract Algebra?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the choice of editions for "A First Course in Abstract Algebra" by Fraleigh. The 6th edition lacks a section on homology groups, while the 7th edition includes it. The 4th edition also covers homology groups, and the 3rd edition is noted for its treatment of group actions. There is a consensus that older editions can sometimes be better, but in this case, the differences between the 6th and 7th editions are considered minimal. It is suggested that any edition from the 3rd to the 5th could be a viable option, depending on price, with the caveat to avoid the 1st and 2nd editions. Additionally, homology is typically addressed in algebraic topology courses rather than undergraduate algebra, so its inclusion may not be a significant concern for students focusing on abstract algebra.
Truecrimson
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I'm going to buy A First Course in Abstract Algebra by Fraleigh. I've looked at 6th and 7th ed. 6th doesn't have a section on homology groups, but 7th does. From what I found from other threads here, 4th also has homology groups, and 3rd is at least good on group actions. (I haven't got to group actions yet.)

It is well known for some textbooks that the older editions are better. What about Fraleigh?
 
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Homology is usually covered in the first algebraic topology course, not in undergrad algebra, so I would not worry if a book covers homology or not.

I doubt there are great difference between the 6th and 7th editions, you could even get the 3rd or 4th or 5th (but not 2nd or 1st), whichever you find the cheapest.
 
Thank you.
 

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