Introduction to Abstract Algebra

A revision of McCoy's classic text, Introductory Abstract Algebra, Sixth Edition, retains the goals of earlier editions by providing the key information for a first course in abstract algebra in an easily understood, digestible manner. The material in the sixth edition is kept at approximately the same level as that in the previous editions with a number of comments, remarks, and exercises that point students toward more advanced topics. Rings are presented before groups because the ring of integers is already known to students and easily serves as a source of examples.

"Revisions have improved the book....I strongly agree with the decision to present rings before groups, and the author does a good job of justifying this choice....This text is much better than any text we have used in the past because it is at the appropriate level for our students."—Burton Fein, Oregon State University

"I like the fact that equivalence relations and action of a group on a set are introduced separately. This makes these important ideas easier to grasp....Chapter 6 provides a very nice treatment of the elementary theory of groups. Section 6.9 is very well written and makes and excellent reading assignment."—Ivan Dimitrov, University of California, Los Angeles