A First Course in Category Theory - (Universitext) by Ana Agore (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This textbook provides a first introduction to category theory, a powerful framework and tool for understanding mathematical structures. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the subject, this book offers a gentle approach to mastering its fundamental principles.
Unlike traditional category theory books, which can often be overwhelming for beginners, this book has been carefully crafted to offer a clear and concise introduction to the subject. It covers all the essential topics, including categories, functors, natural transformations, duality, equivalence, (co)limits, and adjunctions. Abundant fully-worked examples guide readers in understanding the core concepts, while complete proofs and instructive exercises reinforce comprehension and promote self-study. The author also provides background material and references, making the book suitable for those with a basic understanding of groups, rings, modules, topological spaces, and set theory.
Based on the author's course at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the book is perfectly suited for classroom use in a first introductory course in category theory. Its clear and concise style, coupled with its detailed coverage of key concepts, makes it equally suited for self-study.

From the Back Cover

This textbook provides a first introduction to category theory, a powerful framework and tool for understanding mathematical structures. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the subject, this book offers a gentle approach to mastering its fundamental principles.
Unlike traditional category theory books, which can often be overwhelming for beginners, this book has been carefully crafted to offer a clear and concise introduction to the subject. It covers all the essential topics, including categories, functors, natural transformations, duality, equivalence, (co)limits, and adjunctions. Abundant fully-worked examples guide readers in understanding the core concepts, while complete proofs and instructive exercises reinforce comprehension and promote self-study. The author also provides background material and references, making the book suitable for those with a basic understanding of groups, rings, modules, topological spaces, and set theory.
Based on the author's course at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the book is perfectly suited for classroom use in a first introductory course in category theory. Its clear and concise style, coupled with its detailed coverage of key concepts, makes it equally suited for self-study.

Review Quotes

"This book is a basic introduction to category theory at an undergraduate level, aimed at facilitating and making as accessible as possible the learning of the main notions, problems, ideas and techniques of the theory to any student or researcher without background in the field. ... Each chapter is accompanied by a final section of recapitulation exercises, many of which are solved at the end of the book, and which offer a good test for students." (Federico Giovanni Infusino, Mathematical Reviews, October, 2024)

About the Author

Ana Agore is Senior Researcher at the Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy, Romania, and Guest Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. Her research covers topics in quantum groups and Hopf algebras, non-associative algebras, group theory and category theory.