Surface Topology (Mathematics and Its Applications (Ellis Horwood Ltd))

This text examines the topology of compact surfaces through the development of some simple ideas in place geometry, an approach which allows a treatment of an area of mathematics that is particularly attractive both for the richness of its applications, and for the variety of its interactions with other branches of mathematics. A wide variety of topics are linked with surface topology, such as graph theory, group theory, vector field theory and plane Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometry. Each topic is treated from its beginnings, thus offering a bird's eye view of many branches of mathematics. The author's introductions are presented in simple terms and, for those who wish to extend their knowledge of the topics discussed, a bibliography is provided.