A primer on mapping class groups / Benson Farb, Dan Margalit.

Author/creator Farb, Benson
Other author Margalit, Dan, 1976-
Format Electronic
Publication InfoPrinceton, NJ : Princeton University Press,
Descriptionxiv, 472 p. : ill. ; 24 cm.
Supplemental ContentFull text available from Ebook Central - Academic Complete
Subjects

SeriesPrinceton mathematical series
Abstract "The study of the mapping class group Mod(S) is a classical topic that is experiencing a renaissance. It lies at the juncture of geometry, topology, and group theory. This book explains as many important theorems, examples, and techniques as possible, quickly and directly, while at the same time giving full details and keeping the text nearly self-contained. The book is suitable for graduate students.The book begins by explaining the main group-theoretical properties of Mod(S), from finite generation by Dehn twists and low-dimensional homology to the Dehn-Nielsen-Baer theorem. Along the way, central objects and tools are introduced, such as the Birman exact sequence, the complex of curves, the braid group, the symplectic representation, and the Torelli group. The book then introduces Teichm©o?ller space and its geometry, and uses the action of Mod(S) on it to prove the Nielsen-Thurston classification of surface homeomorphisms. Topics include the topology of the moduli space of Riemann surfaces, the connection with surface bundles, pseudo-Anosov theory, and Thurston's approach to the classification"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references and index.
Access restrictionAvailable only to authorized users.
Technical detailsMode of access: World Wide Web
Genre/formElectronic books.
LCCN 2011008491
ISBN9780691147949 (hardback)