Algebraic and Analytic Geometry

Modern introduction to algebraic geometry for undergraduates; uses analytic ideas to access algebraic theory.

It is natural to approach algebraic geometry by highlighting the way it connects algebra and analysis. Serre's GAGA theorem encapsulates this connection and provides the unifying theme for this book, which develops the modern machinery of algebraic geometry needed to give a proof, at a level accessible to undergraduates throughout.This textbook, for an undergraduate course in modern algebraic geometry, recognizes that the typical undergraduate curriculum contains a great deal of analysis and, by contrast, little algebra. Because of this imbalance, it seems most natural to present algebraic geometry by highlighting the way it connects algebra and analysis; the average student will probably be more familiar and more comfortable with the analytic component. The book therefore focuses on Serre's GAGA theorem, which perhaps best encapsulates the link between algebra and analysis. GAGA provides the unifying theme of the book: we develop enough of the modern machinery of algebraic geometry to be able to give an essentially complete proof, at a level accessible to undergraduates throughout. The book is based on a course which the author has taught, twice, at the Australian National University.