The Second Edition of this classic text maintains the clear exposition, logical organization, and accessible breadth of coverage that have been its hallmarks. It plunges directly into algebraic structures and incorporates an unusually large number of examples to clarify abstract concepts as they arise. Proofs of theorems do more than just prove the stated results; Saracino examines them so readers gain a better impression of where the proofs come from and why they proceed as they do. Most of the exercises range from easy to moderately difficult and ask for understanding of ideas rather than flashes of insight. The new edition introduces five new sections on field extensions and Galois theory, increasing its versatility by making it appropriate for a two-semester as well as a one-semester course.

Most abstract algebra texts begin with groups, then proceed to rings and fields. While groups are the logically simplest of the structures, the motivation for studying groups can be somewhat lost on students approaching abstract algebra for the first time. To engage and motivate them, starting with something students know and abstracting from there

For one-semester or two-semester undergraduate courses in Abstract Algebra. This new edition has been completely rewritten. The four chapters from the first edition are expanded, from 257 pages in first edition to 384 in the second. Two new chapters have been added: the first 3 chapters are a text for a one-semester course; the last 3 chapters are a text for a second semester. The new Chapter 5, Groups II, contains the fundamental theorem of finite abelian groups, the Sylow theorems, the Jordan-Holder theorem and solvable groups, and presentations of groups (including a careful construction of free groups). The new Chapter 6, Commutative Rings II, introduces prime and maximal ideals, unique factorization in polynomial rings in several variables, noetherian rings and the Hilbert basis theorem, affine varieties (including a proof of Hilbert's Nullstellensatz over the complex numbers and irreducible components), and Grobner bases, including the generalized division algorithm and Buchberger's algorithm.

Considered a classic by many, A First Course in Abstract Algebra is an in-depth, introductory text which gives students a firm foundation for more specialized work by emphasizing an understanding of the nature of algebraic structures. The Sixth Edition continues its tradition of teaching in a classical manner, while integrating field theory and new exercises.