Polynomial Invariants of Finite Groups

This is a book about the invariant theory of finite groups, written by an algebraic topologist. It illustrates the theorems by applying them to concrete cases, and examines several basic ideas and problems of invariant theory in the context of some elementary examples.

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Written by an algebraic topologist motivated by his own desire to learn, this well-written book represents the compilation of the most essential and interesting results and methods in the theory of polynomial invariants of finite groups. From the table of contents: - Invariants and Relative Invariants - Finite Generation of Invariants - Construction of Invariants - Poincaré Series - Dimension Theoretic Properties of Rings of Invariants - Homological Properties of Invariants - Groups Generated by Reflections - Modular Invariants - Polynomial Tensor Exterior Algebras - Invariant Theory and Algebraic Topology - The Steenrod Algebra and Modular Invariant Theory