Book Description

This volume contains papers of one of the best modern geometers and topologists, John Milnor, on various topics related to the notion of the fundamental group. The volume contains sixteen papers divided into four parts: Knot theory, Free actions on spheres, Torsion, and Three-dimensional manifolds. Each part is preceded by an introduction containing the author's comments on further development of the subject. Although some of the papers were written quite a while ago, they appear more modern than many of today's publications. Milnor's excellent, clear, and laconic style makes the book a real treat. This volume is highly recommended to a broad mathematical audience, and, in particular, to young mathematicians who will certainly benefit from their acquaintance with Milnor's mode of thinking and writing.