Algebraic geometric methods in real algebraic geometry (Q4037338)

[For the entire collection see Zbl 0756.00007.] The paper under review is an excellent overview of most relevant recent developments in the study of the topology of real algebraic varieties through a combination of techniques from algebraic geometry and the theory of quadratic forms. It illustrates how higher dimensional variations of basic theorems of Witt for real curves have concerned a wide range of mathematical activities in the 80's. -- The paper is organized around five items and the major contributions concerning them are explained: (i) To determine the kernel and cokernel of the cycle map; (ii) \(K\)-Theory: strongly algebraic vector bundles, (iii) Algebraic models of compact \(C^ \infty\)-manifolds whose cohomology is algebraic (theorems and counter examples); (iv) The signature homomorphism: its cokernel; (v) Etale and real cohomologies. The article includes a very complete list of references (fifty) where the proofs of the quoted results can be found.