Isaacs' love for algebra and his more than 25 years of teaching experience in mathematics is evident throughout the book. In order to draw students into the material, Isaacs offers numerous examples and exercises and he seldom teaches a definition unless it leads to some interesting or exciting theorem. A number of specialized topics are included, so professors may design a course that is compatible with their own tastes. Students using this book should have knowledge of the basic ideas of group theory, ring theory, and field theory. They should know elementary linear algebra and matrix theory and they should be comfortable with mathematical proofs (how to read them, invent them, and write them).