The classification of the finite simple groups is one of the major feats of contemporary mathematical research, but its proof has never been completely extricated from the journal literature in which it first appeared. This book serves as an introduction to a series devoted to organizing and simplifying the proof. The purpose of the series is to present as direct and coherent a proof as is possible with existing techniques. This first volume, which sets up the structure for the entire series, begins with largely informal discussions of the relationship between the Classification Theorem and the general structure of finite groups, as well as the general strategy to be followed in the series and a comparison with the original proof. Also listed are background results from the literature that will be used in subsequent volumes. Next, the authors formally present the structure of the proof and the plan for the series of volumes in the form of two grids, giving the main case division of the proof as well as the principal milestones in the analysis of each case. Thumbnail sketches are given of the ten or so principal methods underlying the proof. This book is intended for first- or second-year graduate students/researchers in group theory.

Product Description: After three introductory volumes on the classification of the finite simple groups, (Mathematical Surveys and Monographs, Volumes 40.1, 40.2, and 40.3), the authors now start the proof of the classification theorem: They begin the analysis of a minimal counterexample $G$ to the theorem...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: Thisseries is devoted to the publication of monographs, lecture resp. seminar notes, and other materials arising from programs of the OSU Mathemaical Research Institute. This includes proceedings of conferences or workshops held at the Institute, and other mathematical writings. (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: The Classification Theorem is one of the main achievements of 20th century mathematics, but its proof has not yet been completely extricated from the journal literature in which it first appeared. This is the second volume in a series devoted to the presentation of a reorganized and simplified proof of the classification of the finite simple groups...read more

Product Description: A collection of invited papers on the theory of groups, most of which were presented at the biennial Ohio State-Denison Conference, May 1992, in memory of Hans Zassenhaus. These papers treat important topics in the theory of p-groups, solvable groups, finitely presented groups, arithmetic groups, monodromy groups and the general structure and representation theory of groups...read more