Quantum invariants of knots and 3-manifolds (Q5900871)

In 1994, \textit{Vladimir Turaev} published a monograph titled [Quantum Invariants of Knots and 3-Manifolds. de Gruyter Studies in Mathematics. 18. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. (1994; Zbl 0812.57003)]. The goal of the book was to present a systematic introduction to the author's work with Reshetikhin (Reshetikhin-Turaev invariants) and with Viro (Turaev-Viro invariants). En-route, the reader is treated to an excellent introduction to the topological aspects of quantum topology. The book was an instant classic. A decade and a half later, beyond its original purpose as a research monograph, Turaev's book has established itself as a fundamental textbook in quantum topology. Its treatment of modular categories, of modular functors, and of TQFT has stood the test of time and in many ways is still unsurpassed. Due to the strong appeal and wide use of this monograph, de Gruyter have published a second revised edition. It is essentially identical to the first edition, save some minor corrections and additions, and the deletion of an outdated list of research problems. In the reviewer's opinion, this book continues to be essential reading for anyone who wants to be a quantum topologist.