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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for books on differential geometry, specifically those that include proofs, examples, and exercises. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with related mathematical concepts and seek guidance on appropriate book levels for undergraduate or graduate study.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about suitable books for differential geometry, emphasizing the need for proofs and exercises.
  • Several links to specific books are shared, including those by authors such as Do Carmo, Barrett O'Neil, and Spivak.
  • One participant mentions the importance of understanding notation, suggesting that it can be a significant challenge in learning differential geometry.
  • There are suggestions for introductory resources, including Schaum's Outline of Differential Geometry and Nakahara's and Isham's books for those with a physics background.
  • Participants express varying levels of prior knowledge, with some having backgrounds in analysis and linear algebra but not topology.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of certain books but do not reach a consensus on a definitive list of recommendations or the best starting point for different backgrounds.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the appropriate level of books, indicating a lack of consensus on whether undergraduate or graduate texts are more suitable for their needs.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals interested in learning differential geometry, particularly those looking for resources that include proofs and exercises, as well as those with varying levels of mathematical background.

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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