What Are the Best Books on Differential Geometry with Proofs and Exercises?

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SUMMARY

This discussion identifies several recommended books for studying differential geometry, emphasizing those that include proofs and exercises. Key titles mentioned include Barrett O'Neil's "Elementary Differential Geometry," do Carmo's works, and Spivak's volumes. Participants suggest that familiarity with analysis and linear algebra is beneficial, while topology knowledge is not strictly necessary. The discussion also highlights the importance of understanding notation in mastering the subject.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate-level analysis
  • Familiarity with linear algebra concepts
  • Basic knowledge of differential geometry terminology
  • Awareness of mathematical notation and its significance
NEXT STEPS
  • Research Barrett O'Neil's "Elementary Differential Geometry"
  • Explore do Carmo's differential geometry texts
  • Investigate Spivak's volumes on differential geometry
  • Review Nakahara's and Chris Isham's books for a physicist's perspective
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying or teaching differential geometry, as well as anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the subject through structured resources and exercises.

WittyName
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As the title says. Can anyone recommend me some good books for differential geometry(preferably ones with proofs and examples/exercises)?
 
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WittyName said:
As the title says. Can anyone recommend me some good books for differential geometry(preferably ones with proofs and examples/exercises)?

What level should the books be?? Undergrad, grad? Do you know topology, analysis, linear algebra,...??
 
jedishrfu said:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0486667219/?tag=pfamazon01-20

or take your pic:



and an ebook to get started right away:

http://samizdat.mines.edu/difgeom/Shr3b.pdf
Thanks i'll be sure to check them out.

micromass said:
What level should the books be?? Undergrad, grad? Do you know topology, analysis, linear algebra,...??
It's an undergrad course but i want to do some preliminary reading. Yes to both analysis and linear algebra, but no to topology.
 
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I also like do Carmo for the basic curves and surfaces stuff. Once you learn a little topology (not much) you should check out Spivak (especially Volumes 1 and 2). Spivak's differential geometry books are awesome.
 
The book by Do Carmo was pretty good. I used it as a supplement in my differential geometry course in college, although it was a little bit advanced for me because it was the first time that I had ever seen any of the material.

A great introductory book is Barrett O'Neil's Elementary Differential Geometry. It has a lot of worked problems and solutions in the back so you can check yourself.

For more problems, try the Schaum's Outline of Differential Geometry

There isn't a perfect overlap of content and notation between these books, but I found that it was more than enough to do well in differential geometry. One thing to remember (which I learned the hard way!) is that 80% of the difficulty is understanding notation! So, the more resources, the better.
 
  • #10
If you're coming at this from a physicist's point of view, both Nakahara's and Chris Isham's books on differential geometry are great. (Google is your friend, etc.)
 

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