Abelian Functions: Abel's Theorem and the Allied Theory of Theta Functions (Cambridge Mathematical Library)

Book Description

Classical algebraic geometry, inseparably connected with the names of Abel, Riemann, Weierstrass, Poincaré, Clebsch, Jacobi and other outstanding mathematicians of the last century, was mainly an analytical theory. In our century the methods and ideas of topology, commutative algebra and Grothendieck's schemes enriched it and seemed to have replaced once and forever the somewhat naive language of classical algebraic geometry. This classic book, written in 1897, covers the whole of algebraic geometry and associated theories. Baker discusses the subject in terms of transcendental functions, and theta functions in particular. Many of the ideas put forward are of continuing relevance today, and some of the most exciting ideas from theoretical physics draw on work presented here.

Customer Reviews:

A precious jewel !.......2001-05-11

When I was a Ph.D. student and had some problems finding suitable functions in order to study the multiloop scattering of strings, I found this rarity of a book. Although it was first published a long time ago (1897) it is probably one of the most complete works on complex functions of many variables and particularly on theta functions of many variables. In this book you can find some material that is not in any other book I know of, and the style makes it relatively easy to read.

It covers a large number of subjects, like Abel's theorem, abelian integrals of the first and second type, Riemann's theta functions, hyperelliptic (many variables) theta functions, radical and factorial functions, Jacobian functions, and degenerate abelian integrals.

I consider it a jewel among the books that cover the same subject, both for its completenes and its writing style.

Abelian Functions: Abel's theorem and the allied theory of theta functions
Average customer rating:
Abelian Functions: Abel's theorem and the allied theory of theta functions
H. F. Baker
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P0RO2C

Book Description

Lancelot Lamar is a disenchanted lawyer who finds himself confined in a mental asylum with memories that don't seem worth remembering. It all began the day he accidentally discovered he was not the father of his youngest daughter, a discovery which sent Lancelot on modern quest to reverse the degeneration of America. Percy's novel reveals a shining knight for the modern age--a knight not of romance, but of revenge.

Customer Reviews:

From Despair to Evil.......2006-12-08

Percy's Lancelot draws on a thought from Kierkegaard that begins his book the Moviegoer (paraphasing), "The worst thing about being in despair is not knowing one is in despair." From his despair, Lancelot's anger and rage drive him on a quest for the Holy Grail of Evil that leads to ultimately great crimes. But, in his quest he discovers the truth about evil, that it is in fact a "nothing" because it exists only in relation to the good. However, the discovery of the "nothingness" of evil has grave consequences which Lancelot describes through much of the novel.
The dialgoue of Lancelot and Percival does a great job of showing that one's "character" is the sum total of his/her moral choices. Lancelot makes a choice for evil and reaps the consequences that spin him into moral chaos, while Percival (his friend the priest-psychiatrist) has chosen to follow the path of goodness. The book is a great comparison and contrast of the battle of good and evil that occurs in every one of us.

Like strolling down a hospital corridor and trying not to look in the half-cracked doors.......2006-04-15

Reading Walker Percy's "Lancelot" is like strolling down a hospital corridor and trying not to look in the half-cracked doors where there are likely sites best unseen-but failing. Mr. Percy, who was one of the best writers in the last quarter of the 20th Century, took the quest motif from medieval literature-specifically the quest for the Holy Grail-and inverted it so that the quest now centers on finding the darkest evil, in order to prove that good exists beyond the abstract.

His main character, Lancelot, is the sole speaker in the book, the entire novel a refraction of his recovering memory, shattered by the horrific murders he committed as a reaction to the decaying morality and facile values here amplified by a Hollywood film crew and his adulterous wife. The only other character who exists in "real time" is Lancelot's lifelong friend, Perceval, now a Catholic priest, who serves a touchstone for the ranting Lancelot.

Both characters are either recovering or evolving, or both, from their encounters with life's vicissitudes. If there is a take home message, then it might be the value of staying aware and alert to one's self amidst the mind-numbing banality that rises to the surface of modern life.

Putting aside the story, theme, and plot, it's a pleasure to read "Lancelot" because of Mr. Percy's thoughtfully paced and measured prose and his slow revelation of character and motive. He turns out many brilliant, indelible phrases throughout the book, creating indelible images that linger long after the details of the story fade and blur.

Not Percy's Best, But..........2004-12-04

Quite frankly, I found this the most difficult and least enjoyable of Percy's books.

Percy is at his usual cranky self, poking at the delusions of modern life and ridiculing our self-assurance in spite of the fact that we're all rather lost. Good questions are asked. What is love and is it real? Is secular liberalism or Christianity true? What does sex mean? How can we escape boredom? Is life just some cosmic joke?

What is missing in Lancelot, in my opinion, is the sly humour found in The Second Coming or Love in the Ruins. Lancelot is a departure from Percy's typical protagonist, not because he is some crazy, libidinal loner who concocts an apocalyptic scheme to prove some cosmic point (because all of Percy's protagonists fit that bill), but because he isn't particularly funny. Lancelot lacks the sense that the world is bigger than himself, and is so serious that he rarely cracks a joke. His soliloquies, therefore, end up as overly explicit narratives concerning other humourless characters. This is especially true of the play within the play --- the movie making subplot which gets a little self-referential (after all, isn't this the most cinematic of Percy's novels?).

Still, enjoy Percy's craftsmanship, for there are far too few of his novels to be too fussy. What else is a crazy, libidinal, apocalyptic loner to do?

Modern Literature at its Best.......2002-12-11

This novel is wonderfully written. Walker Percy has quite a unique way of expressing thought in the English language. Unfortunately, unique does not always mean well done. In the case of Walker Percy, however, this novel is a masterpiece of prose.

The first couple of pages take the reader into the mind of a man (Lancelot) at an insane asylum who is recollecting his crimes against his now dead wife. Percy uses Lancelot as a foil to pose many questions regarding our humanity and morality.

For example, what is the sexual act? Why should it mean anything other than a biological act between two humans? What is it that causes man to be so grievously injured by adultery if the act is nothing but biology? Lancelot ponders these questions throughout the novel as he talks to his childhood friend who has become a priest. Percy gives no answers except to demonstrate through Lancelot that Lancelot's answers are lacking. Lancelot's answers form no moral basis.

The story moves quickly as Lancelot recalls the events leading up to his crime. To that end, the clipped pace of the narrative suits the urgency of the action.

The reader will understand just what he/she is getting in this novel within the first 20 pages. I recommend it highly, but do issue a caution that there is some quite honest dialogue in the novel that includes a fair amount of profanity. Though probably necessary to develope the character, some may be offended.

Purchase the book and enjoy modern literature at its best.

Confidentially, It's Walker Percy's Best Book . . ........2002-05-30

After I read this book I had no choice but to immediately consume Walker Percy's novels. Reading Lancelot was like having the top of my head blown off and surviving the experience more awake and alive than ever. In an era where no one is really sure what they believe anymore, Percy sets out an interesting test. If you discovered clear evidence of evil, what would that tell you about the existence of good and maybe even God? I strongly suggest you take this journey and pay very close attention to the parallel travels of the main character's confidant, a priest-psychologist who is himself in crisis. If you do so, the ending will make the hairs stand up on the back on your neck.

The Knight of the Sacred Lake (The Guenevere Novels Number 2)

Average customer rating:

Not a Bad Mid-series Work
You'll hate the characters!
No stars because it was so disappointing!
Disappointing
Much better than the first

The Knight of the Sacred Lake (The Guenevere Novels Number 2)
Rosalind Miles
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

The Child of the Holy Grail: The Third of the Guenevere Novels
Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country (Guenevere Novels)
Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 1)
The Lady of the Sea: The Third of the Tristan and Isolde Novels (The Tristan and Isolde Novels)
The Maid of the White Hands (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 2)

ASIN: 0609808028
Release Date: 2001-06-12

Book Description

Last in a line of proud queens elected to rule the fertile lands of the West, true owner of the legendary Round Table, guardian of the Great Goddess herself . . . a woman whose story has never been told--until now.

As High King and Queen, Arthur and Guenevere reign supreme across the many kingdoms of Great Britain. Still, Guenevere secretly mourns the loss of her beloved Lancelot, who has returned to the Sacred Lake of his boyhood, hoping to restore his faith in chivalry in the place where he learned to be a knight. In a glittering Pentecost ceremony, new knights are sworn to the Round Table, including Arthur's nephews, Agravain and Gawain. After many years of strife, peace is restored to Guenevere's realm.

But betrayal, jealousy, and ancient blood feuds fester unseen. Morgan Le Fay, now the mother of Arthur's only son, Mordred, has become the focus of Merlin's age-old quest to ensure the survival of the house of Pendragon. From the east comes the shattering news that Guenevere may have a rival for Lancelot's love. A bleak shadow falls again across Camelot--and across the sacred isle of Avalon, where Roman priests threaten the life of the Lady herself. At the center of the storm is Guenevere, torn between her love for her husband, her people, and Sir Lancelot of the Lake.

With rare and intuitive magic, Rosalind Miles brings to life a legendary woman's bravery and passion, and all the pageantry, heartbreak, violence, and beauty of an age gone by.

Customer Reviews:

Not a Bad Mid-series Work.......2005-06-20

"The Knight of the Sacred Lake" is the second novel in Rosalind Miles' Guenevere Trilogy. Miles paints a beautiful and enrapturing portrait of the love triangle between Guenevere, Lancelot and Arthur. By the beginning of this novel, Arthur has had his incestuous relationship with his sister, Morgan Le Fay, and produced their son, Mordred. Guenevere, heartbroken, turned to Lancelot for comfort. "The Knight of the Sacred Lake" covers Lancelot's return to Camelot, Merlin's obsessive quest to further the line of Pendragon rule by finding Mordred, and the Christian monks attempts to further erode the worship of the Mother and destroy Avalon.

Miles' Guenevere Trilogy is quite an interesting take on the Arthurian legends. The story is told through many viewpoints, through primarily through Guenevere's. Miles does an excellent job of painting Guenevere as a strong woman and follower of the Goddess, as opposed to the more popular literary Guenevere of "The Mists of Avalon" by Marion Zimmer Bradley, who is weak-willed and simpering. The reader connects to Guenevere and her pain in a deep way. Miles has created a moving and deep portrait of the famous Queen and her consorts.

You'll hate the characters!.......2004-10-27

This book did not live up to its hype. It tries to do for Guenevere what Mists of Avalon did for Morgan le Fey, but it fails sorely because the title character is an embittered shrew. The plot repeats itself endlessly over the course of three novels. Guenevere loves Arthur, she hates Arthur, she forgives Arthur, she loves Arthur again, no wait, she hates him.... Arthur, by the way, is a weak, feeble-minded, doddering simpleton. This is not the great king of Arthurian legend at all. Lancelot is still a tasty dish, but there is no apparent reason why he would love a bitter, jealous, middle-aged woman who repeatedly casts him away. Morgan le Fey starts out as a promising character, but becomes a demonic harpy-type creature. And the tone is excessively anti-Christian. I'm not a religious person at all, but even I was offended by the way Christians are depicted in this novel. It's just not a pleasant read. If you want a great trilogy told from Guenevere's point of view, read Persia Woolley's Guenevere trilogy or Nancy McKenzie's Queen of Camelot. They're well worth the time and effort.

No stars because it was so disappointing!.......2004-01-27

I've always been a great fan of any Camelot story but found this whole series extremely disappointing and frustrating. Here is this queen, supposedly very powerful and carrying on the last of a long Mother-worship religion--and she can't do anything, seemingly can't even think logically. She lets her husband decide everything, even after he's just specifically agreed to first consult her--and she let's him. She feels guilty for following her Mother religion, yet her husband doesn't seem to be all that twisted up for commiting incest (not to mention having and affair). Everyone in these books seemed weak from Merlin down to the little maid Ina who could have been far more influential. The only one that seemed to be doing any thinking was Morgan, and she was more a phantom then a real person. It was also never clearly explained how Morgan learned all her extremely proficient magic. Save your money; re-read Mists of Avalon or the Crystal Cave series instead.

Disappointing.......2003-09-13

I was extremely disappointed in this book. The characters are one-dimensional, the plot juvenile, and the language irritating. I quickly got tired of words such as "Otherworldly" and "thigh-freedom". The treatment of Christian characters is also a bit disturbing.

Much better than the first.......2003-07-06

Queen Guenevere has made peace with Arthur and has sent Lancelot away. She tries in all her power to make the kingdom a cheerful place, as it once was. However, havoc soon returns. Morgan le Fay is back again to haunt and harm Arthur. Merlin desperately searches for Mordred, Morgan and Arthur's son, as heir to the throne as High King. The four sons of Arthur's other half-sister, Morgause, plan more mischief. Lancelot has returned, and Guenevere must face him again. Can order be restored, once again? Can Guenevere come to accept Arthur's illegitimate son, Mordred?

I found The Knight of the Sacred Lake more enjoyable than Guenevere: Queen of the Summer Country. Guenevere herself seems stronger and wiser. The story holds more suspense and emotion and left me wanting to find out what happens next in The Child of the Holy Grail. I recommend this to anyone who liked Queen of the Summer Country and even to those who did not; the story becomes much more interesting!

The Child of the Holy Grail (Guenevere Novels)
Average customer rating:

A tremendous final installment!

A surprisingly good story!

Why read an entire trilogy if you don't like the author?????

Why read an entire trilogy if you don't like the author?????

A good ending

The Child of the Holy Grail (Guenevere Novels)
Rosalind Miles
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Knight of the Sacred Lake (The Guenevere Novels Number 2)

Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country (Guenevere Novels)

Isolde, Queen of the Western Isle (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 1)

The Lady of the Sea: The Third of the Tristan and Isolde Novels (The Tristan and Isolde Novels)

The Maid of the White Hands (Tristan and Isolde Novels, Book 2)

ASIN: 0609606247
Release Date: 2001-07-17

Book Description

Guenevere ...
Last in a line of proud queens elected to rule the fertile lands of the West, true owner of the legendary Round Table, guardian of the Great Goddess herself . . . a woman whose story has never been told — until now

Brokenhearted at her parting from Lancelot and anguished over the loss of the sacred Hallows of the Goddess, Queen Guenevere reconciles with Arthur, although the fragile bond between them is threatened by a new presence at Camelot. Prince Mordred, Arthur's son by Morgan Le Fay, has come to stay and to be proclaimed heir to Guenevere and Arthur's kingdoms. Arthur has even designated for his son the Siege Perilous, the one unoccupied seat at the Round Table — the seat reserved for "the Son of the Most Peerless Knight in All the World."

But at the knighting, when Mordred takes his seat, the great Round Table, owned by the Queens of the Summer Country since time immemorial, cracks down the center. A terrible darkness falls over Camelot and in the midst of the chaos appears a new knight, Sir Galahad. Barely fourteen, he may hold the key to the mystery of the stolen Hallows, which the Christians believe to be the Holy Grail. The scene sets into motion the final brilliant cycle of the Arthurian legend-the Quest for the Grail and the fall of Camelot-which brings Guenevere to the brink of the most dreaded tragedy of all . . . and may ultimately complete her destiny as the greatest and most powerful Queen of the Isles.

Customer Reviews:

A tremendous final installment!.......2003-04-26

Thank goodness this was a trilogy! It is only unfortunate that it isn't an even longer series. Miles continues her masterful retelling of the Arthurian legend in her third and final installment. I am happy to say she ends as strongly as she began with Guinevere- Queen of the Summery Country.

As a history buff - I relish the chance to find a great historical fiction. Finding a book blending enough history to be intellegent but enough fiction to be entrancing is a rare indeed.
This book (and the entire series) not only delighted me - but has now been passed along to family and friends who lack my love of history....and their delight with the story is as strong as my own.

If you've read the first two books of this series by Miles, keep going!! You'll be glad you did!

A surprisingly good story!.......2002-07-01

The first half of this book dealt with it almost exclusively as a theme - the second half of the book was the consequence of it...which essentially was the crumbling of the realms of Arthur and Guenevere. This made it interesting (and sad) to read beyond the telling of most other versions of the legend I've read. Galahad was a difficult character for me to warm up to - he was a little TOO fanatical, otherworldly and untouchable. I was surprised to find myself very intrigued with Mordred for a change - seeing him as another tragic victim of his mother and deserving of sympathy despite his scheming and ambitious manipulations to achieve the throne. Arthur infuriated me at times - being too easily swayed and influenced by the Christians determined to rule his soul. But this was Guenevere's glorious and tragic story and it was wonderfully told. Her femininity was powerful and proud -the devotion to her religion and culture unwavering under undue pressures - her loves demanding an emotional toll of heartbreaking longing. I can look forward to reading this book again.

The Price of Immortality, swords of life and death series is highly recommended.

Why read an entire trilogy if you don't like the author?????.......2002-01-21

Upon reading the horrific review given by "jsolinas", one question begs answer: since she obviously dislikes this author why on earth has she devoted so much time to reading not just one, but all of the books in this trilogy? I found this book, as well as the preceeding ones, to be well written and interesting. As the above-mentioned review illustrates so well: if you don't like this subject matter then of course don't bother reading the book! However, if you do enjoy the subject of King Arthur, Christians vs Druids, Camelot, etc., then you will enjoy this book.

Why read an entire trilogy if you don't like the author?????.......2002-01-21

A good ending.......2001-12-18

Rosalind Miles wraps up her Guenevere triology with "Child of the Holy Grail".

Book Description

Conrad in the Twenty-First Century is a collection of original essays by leading Conrad scholars that rereads Conrad in light of his representations of post-colonialism, of empire, imperialism, and of modernism and modernity-questions that are once again relevant today. The collection is framed by an introduction by J. Hillis Miller, one of the most important literary critics today, and a concluding extensive interview with Edward Said (one of his final interviews before his death on September 25, 2003), the most prominent postcolonial critic-addressing his lifelong fascination with Conrad.

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Lancelot A Novel

Manufacturer: Farrar Strauss Giroux
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HBU5I4

Lancelot du Lac: The Non-Cyclic Old French Prose Romance 2 vols.

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Lancelot du Lac: The Non-Cyclic Old French Prose Romance 2 vols.
Lancelot
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0198120648

Oaths, Vows and Promises in the First Part of the French Prose Lancelot Romance (European University Studies. Series XIII, French Language and)

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Oaths, Vows and Promises in the First Part of the French Prose Lancelot Romance (European University Studies. Series XIII, French Language and)
Lisa Jefferson
Manufacturer: Peter Lang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

French | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

A private volcano;: A modern novel of science and imagination

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A private volcano;: A modern novel of science and imagination
Lancelot de Giberne Sieveking
Manufacturer: Ward, Lock
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006AURG6

STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS OF THE ROUND TABLE, THE (Story of Champions of Roundtable Rb)

Average customer rating:

Stirs the imagination
one of Pyle's amazing works

STORY OF THE CHAMPIONS OF THE ROUND TABLE, THE (Story of Champions of Roundtable Rb)
Pyle
Manufacturer: Atheneum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Story of Sir Launcelot and His Companions
Story of King Arthur and His Knights (Signet Classics)
The Story of the Grail and the Passing of Arthur
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Otto of the Silver Hand

ASIN: 0684181711

Book Description

Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Percival in spirited adventures of love and triumph retold in Pyle's inimitable style. 50 drawings.

Download Description

Now foremost of all those queens was Queen Morgana le Fay (who was King Arthur's sister, and a potent, wicked enchantress, of whom much hath been told in the Book of King Arthur), and besides Queen Morgana there was the Queen of North Wales, and the Queen of Eastland, and the Queen of the Outer Isles.

Customer Reviews:

Stirs the imagination.......2006-06-10

Howard Pyle weaves another masterpiece in this, the sequel to The Story of King Arthur and His Knights. It is frought with adventure, chivalry, and Pyle's own version of Old English to go with it. Pyle's english and his drawings add greatly to the already great story, making this series one of the best I have ever read.

This book details the early adventures of Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, and Sir Percival. One would think that the jousts/battles would get repetitive and boring after a while, but Pyle is so masterful a storyteller that it never gets boring, and each adventure captures the imagination more than the last.

Overall grade: A+

one of Pyle's amazing works.......2003-11-20

If you can find this in any addition, though the hardback is very nice gift, it is a great addition to any Grail Lore Collection.

Pyle did so many books great books on the Medieval Myths and Legends. First published in 1905, Pyle wrote and illustrated his own tales, such as Lancelot, Tristam & Isoult, and Percival. The pen in and ink drawing are simply amazing and so bring alive his stories.

Highly recommended for those interested in tales of the Round Table. Hopefully, with the interested Tolkien's Rings, it will reawaken a hunger for these tales of chivalry, of valour and those willing to stand and fight in what they believe.

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