Algebraic surfaces whose canonical image has a pencil of rational curves of degree two (Q1188027)

The author proves that the irregularity of a surface of general type with \(p_ g\geq 56\) and canonical map of degree 6 is bounded by 5. This improves an earlier result of \textit{G. Xiao} [Math. Ann. 274, 473-483 (1986; Zbl 0571.14019) and Duke Math. J. 55, 597-602 (1987; Zbl 0651.14021)] who also gave the bounds for irregularity of surfaces of general type with the canonical map of degree \(d=5,\) 6, 7, 8. The method of the proof is similar to to the one of Xiao.