Elementary Commutative Algebra

The foremost goal of the book is to provide an introductory text in commutative algebra that assumes a general knowledge of algebraic structures (rings and fields mainly) with sufficient maturity to handle residual structures and substructures, generators and homomorphisms. But no solid knowledge of group theory or field theory is needed, though some previous exposition to these topics may help build up that maturity. A second intent is to give a tinge of the modern ideas pervasive in the area, ...