Overview

The core of classical homotopy theory is a body of ideas and theorems that emerged in the 1950s and was later largely codified in the notion of a model category. This core includes the notions of fibration and cofibration; CW complexes; long fiber and cofiber sequences; loop spaces and suspensions; and so on. Brown's representability theorems show that homology and cohomology are also contained in classical homotopy theory. This text develops classical homotopy theory from a modern point of view, meaning that the exposition is informed by the theory of model categories and that homotopy limits and colimits play central roles. The exposition is guided by the principle that it is generally preferable to prove topological results using topology (rather than algebra). The language and basic theory of homotopy limits and colimits make it possible to penetrate deep into the subject with just the rudiments of algebra. The text does reach advanced territory, including the Steenrod algebra, Bott periodicity, localization, the Exponent Theorem of Cohen, Moore, and Neisendorfer, and Miller's Theorem on the Sullivan Conjecture. Thus the reader is given the tools needed to understand and participate in research at (part of) the current frontier of homotopy theory. Proofs are not provided outright. Rather, they are presented in the form of directed problem sets. To the expert, these read as terse proofs; to novices they are challenges that draw them in and help them to thoroughly understand the arguments.

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9780821852866

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oObviously the book was a labor of love for its author: this is visible on every page. The coverage of the material is, in a word, amazing, even to an outsider like me. The book is well-written, as I have already indicated, and StromAEs oproblems first-and-foremosto approach is bound to be a big pedagogical hit for those who can handle it, both in front of the class and in it. The book under review is a wonderful contribution indeed.o -- MAA

Obviously the book was a labor of love for its author: this is visible on every page. The coverage of the material is, in a word, amazing, even to an outsider like me. The book is well-written, as I have already indicated, and Strom's problems first-and-foremost approach is bound to be a big pedagogical hit for those who can handle it, both in front of the class and in it. The book under review is a wonderful contribution indeed. -- MAA

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