The 1882 Theorie der algebraischen Functionen einer Veränderlichen by Dedekind (1831-1916) and Weber (1842-1913) changed the direction of algebraic geometry and established its foundations by introducing methods from algebraic number theory. They used rings and ideals to give rigorous proofs of results that had previously been obtained in non-rigorous fashion, with the help of analysis and topology. Stillwell (mathematics, U. of San Francisco) believes that the paper still has gems for modern mathematicians that the standard commentaries do not mention. He presents the first English translation of it and provides commentary to the language and thinking of mathematics during the 19th century. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)