This is the first of three volumes on algebraic geometry. The second volume, Algebraic Geometry 2: Sheaves and Cohomology, is available from the AMS as Volume 197 in the
Translations of Mathematical Monographs series.
Early in the 20th century, algebraic geometry underwent a significant overhaul,
as mathematicians, notably Zariski, introduced a much stronger emphasis on
algebra and rigor into the subject. This was followed by another fundamental
change in the 1960s with Grothendieck's introduction of schemes. Today, most
algebraic geometers are well-versed in the language of schemes, but many
newcomers are still initially hesitant about them. Ueno's book provides an
inviting introduction to the theory, which should overcome any such impediment
to learning this rich subject.
The book begins with a description of the standard theory of algebraic
varieties. Then, sheaves are introduced and studied, using as few
prerequisites as possible. Once sheaf theory has been well understood, the
next step is to see that an affine scheme can be defined in terms of a sheaf
over the prime spectrum of a ring. By studying algebraic varieties over a
field, Ueno demonstrates how the notion of schemes is necessary in algebraic
geometry.
This first volume gives a definition of schemes and describes some of their
elementary properties. It is then possible, with only a little additional
work, to discover their usefulness. Further properties of schemes will be
discussed in the second volume.
Ueno's book is a self-contained introduction to this important
circle of ideas, assuming only a knowledge of basic notions from
abstract algebra (such as prime ideals). It is suitable as a text for
an introductory course on algebraic geometry.
Readership
Undergraduates and first-year graduate students seeking an introduction to algebraic geometry.