Treats the major theorems of algebraic curves and Riemann surfaces with a minimum of prerequisites, and introduces the language of modern algebraic geometry, incorporating a perspective that combines algebraic curves and complex numbers. Defines Riemann surfaces and holomorphic maps with numerous examples, presents material on divisors, functions, and maps, offers proofs of the Riemann-Roch theorem and Serre Duality, and discusses points of linear systems. Introduces sheaves and cohomology, and includes a notation index. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.