The presentation emphasizes the structural elements over the computations, for example, by connecting matrices to linear transformations from the outset. Uniquely among linear algebra texts at this level, it introduces group theory early in the discussion both as mathematical preparation for vector spaces and as a preliminary example of the rigorous development of informal axiomatic systems. Topics include sets and functions, groups and group homomorphisms, vector spaces and linear transformations, and inner product spaces. Exercises are included. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.