An introduction to Riemann surfaces, algebraic curves and moduli spaces (Q5919933)

This book is an introduction to the language of modern algebraic geometry, designed mainly for Physics students who are interested in string theory. The subjects covered are the following. In chapter 1 the author introduces the notions of real and complex manifolds, and mentions the classification problem. In chapter 2 Riemann surfaces are studied from the point of view of algebraic topology. The analytic study of Riemann surfaces appears in chapter 3. Chapter 4 contains a discussion of tanget spaces and differentials. Chapter 5 studies abelian varieties and their Jacobians. Chapter 6 is an introduction to complex algebraic varieties. The moduli space of curves is introduced in chapter 7. Chapter 8 studies bundles, sheaves and their cohomology. In chapter 9 the author treats the theorem of Riemann-Roch and the Krichever-Novikov algebra. Chapter 10 covers the Mumford isomorphism theorem about the moduli space of curves. Chapter 11 provides a brief introduction to the commutative algebra that lies at the foundation of modern algebraic geometry. In chapter 12 this is applied to the study of schemes. Chapter 13 contains some basic facts about compact Kähler manifolds and their Hodge theory. Chapter 14 is a basic introduction to Calabi-Yau manifolds and mirror symmetry. The book ends with an appendix about \(p\)-adic numbers. Overall the book is very readable and it fulfills its goal remarkably well: it provides a short but rather complete introduction to modern geometric ideas that are useful to physicists interested in string theory, with all the necessary references for further reading. This book will be an excellent addition to the bookshelf of any physics student or researcher who wants to learn about the mathematical aspects of string theory.