Galois theory (Q5905487)

The first part of this book is a rapid review of commutative rings and polynomials, starting from the definitions. The classical formulae for the roots of quadratic, cubic and quartic equations are derived. The characterization of polynomials which are solvable by radicals can be found on p. 42 and p. 55. Some important topics of field theory (like algebraic closure, resultants, traces, normal bases) do not appear, since the author felt that they would have delayed the journey to this result. The fundamental theorem for (finite) Galois extensions is proved on p. 49. The proper text ends with the computation of the Galois groups of cubic and quartic equations. One third of the book consists of appendices, one on elementary group theory, another one on ruler-compass constructions (not requiring much Galois theory), and the last appendix, entitled ``Old-fashioned Galois Theory'', explains how Galois defined Galois groups in terms of symmetric functions and permutations (cp. \textit{H. M. Edwards} [Galois Theory (Springer, 1984; Zbl 0532.12001)], \textit{J.-P. Tignol} [Galois' Theory of Algebraic Equations (Wiley, 1988; Zbl 0663.12020), see also: Leçons sur la théorie des équations (Cabay, 1980; Zbl 0509.12022)]). This little book is an effective and clear presentation of the basic results of Galois theory.