Based on courses taught at Russian educational institutions Moscow State U. and the Independent U. of Moscow, this textbook is presented with the intention of covering topics that go beyond standard undergraduate algebra courses in order to meet the needs of students specializing in algebra. The first eight chapters cover the standard algebra material, while later chapters explore such topics as commutative algebra, groups, linear representations and associative algebras, and lie groups. Conceptual proofs are given preference over explicit calculations. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)