On manifolds of small degree (Q951972)

Let \(X\subset \mathbb P^n\) be a complex connected projective manifold of dimension \(r\) and degree \(d\). Assume that \(X\) is non-degenerate. The main result of this interesting article is that, if \(X\) is linearly normal and \(d\leq n\), then one of the following holds true: (1) \(b_2(X)=1\) and \(X\) is Fano; (2) \(b_2(X)\geq 2\) and \(X\) is rational. As a topological consequence, the author points out that these manifolds are all simply connected. The author also classifies the manifolds of case (2), giving the complete list, which comprises \(6\) infinite series of manifolds, having arbitrarily large dimension and degree, and \(14\) sporadic examples. In case (1) a classification is also given, but assuming that Hartshorne's conjecture holds for Fano manifolds. The methods of proof rely on adjunction theory and in particular on the results of T. Fujita on manifolds of small \(\Delta\)-genus and on previous work of the author, depending on some results of S. Mori for threefolds whose canonical bundles are not nef (see [\textit{P. Ionescu}, Math. Ann. 271, 339--348 (1985; Zbl 0541.14032)]).