Generalized covering groups (Q699915)

Let \(\mathcal V\) and \(\mathcal W\) be varieties of groups. The authors construct a \(\mathcal W\)-\(\mathcal V\)-perfect group \(G\) and show that every automorphism of \(G\) may be lifted to its \(\mathcal W\)-\(\mathcal V\)-covering group. This generalises the results of previous work of the first two authors [Arch. Math. 75, No. 1, 8-15 (2000; Zbl 0972.20017)]. The authors also characterize the \(\mathcal W\)-\(\mathcal V\)-irreducible extensions in some sense.