The self-published advanced undergraduate mathematics textbook "Introductory Algebra, Topology, and Category Theory" is available from purchase from Hyperon Software. The Table of Contents and first chapter (PDF) may be viewed online. The text is recommended as a second textbook for students interested in mathematics, by the online reviews of the Mathematical Association of America.
The price of the text is $55.00. It may be ordered through www.amazon.com (orders are shipped by media mail). It may also be purchased by prepaid mail order.
A list of known typographical errors (PDF) (to the first printing) is being maintained. Please email any that you find.
A feature being added is additional chapters for download. I am busy with other projects, but I have managed to produce a partial version of one such (PDF), covering some topics in finite rings, of relevance to coding theory. If anyone wants to send me such chapters I would be glad to look at them.
The author has self-published the text for financial reasons. However it represents a benefit to the purchaser, in that the cost of the text is comparatively low, in an era when increasing textbook costs have become a concern. Profits from sales of the text will be used to fund research by Hyperon Software. Attempts to obtain such funding from other sources have thus far been unsuccessful, and the research in question has consequently been delayed. For one example, a cost analysis of an integrated space program has yet to be produced, and U. S. space planning is proceeding without one. This also affects large telescope planning, and U. S. science in general.
If you buy the book and like it, tell your friends, and tell your professors to put it on their reading lists.
More robust (and free) support for self-published textbooks in the Internet would be a valuable contribution. A simple list of such would be beneficial. Amazon and Valorebooks charge 15% per sale. www.taaonline.net has lists, but you have to be a member to add items. http://archives.math.utk.edu/topics has links to various resources, but they are in subdirectories and there is no list of self-published books. Here are some other examples of self-published textbooks.
http://augustusmath.hypermart.net/
Betty Jean Harmsen, Mathematical Formulas, self-published basic mathematics text, used at Dana College, 1999-2002.
Instructions for prepaid mail order.
Total price for California orders is $62.06.
Total price for U.S. orders outside California is $57.80.
Send a check or money order for the total amount, and a mailing address, to
| Hyperon Software |
| PO Box 4161 |
| Costa Mesa, CA 92628-4161 |
Make sure the return address is usable.
The book will be shipped by U. S. media mail upon receipt of the order. It is 443 + viii pages, in 8-1/2 x 11 softcover format, and weighs 3 lb., 2 oz. Although the shipping charge is zone-dependent, an average value is charged. It does not include envelope or label costs.
Overseas shipping is via Airmail Letter Post. The amount charged is for 52 oz, per rate group as follows.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 10.15 | 16.65 | 20.40 | 22.85 | 25.50 |
The rate group for a country may be found athttp://pe.usps.com/text/pub51/51cl.html. All countries are 5, except: