This work provides a lucid and rigorous account of the foundations of modern algebraic geometry. The authors have confined themselves to fundamental concepts and geometrical methods, and do not give detailed developments of geometrical properties, but geometrical meaning has been emphasised throughout. This first volume is divided into two parts. The first is devoted to pure algebra; the basic notions, the theory of matrices over a non-commutative ground field and a study of algebraic equations. The second part is concerned with the definitions and basic properties of projective space in n dimensions. It concludes with a purely algebraic account of collineations and correlations. The other two volumes of Hodge and Pedoe's classic work are also available. Together, these books give an insight into algebraic geometry that is unique and unsurpassed.

‘This treatise … is notable for its clarity of treatment and for the rigour of its demonstrations, and will repay careful study even in those parts which deal with matters generally considered familiar.’

Source: Nature

‘The book is well set out, and is a pleasure to work through.’

Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘Motivations are given. Examples of significant and useful varieties are numerous. All the algebra needed is given, and, what is more, these books tell how to translate geometry into algebra, and conversely.’

Source: Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society