Description: The editors start with introductory chapters on low-dimensional topology, covering both the geometric and algebraic sides of the subject, the latter including crossed modules, Reidemeister-Peiffer identities, and a concrete and modern discussion of J. H. C. Whitehead's algebraic classification of 2-dimensional homotopy types. Further chapters have been skilfully selected and woven together to form a coherent picture. The latest algebraic results and their applications to 3-and 4-dimensional manifolds are dealt with. The geometric nature of the subject is illustrated to the full by over 100 diagrams. Final chapters summarise and contribute to the present status of the conjectures of Zeeman, Whitehead and Andrews-Curtis. No other book covers all these topics.

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