CURVES AND SURFACES

This introductory textbook puts forth a clear and focused point of view on the differential geometry of curves and surfaces, emphasizing the global aspects. The excellent collection of examples and exercises (with hints) will help students in learning the material. Advanced undergraduates and graduate students will find this a nice entry point to differential geometry. In order to study the global properties of curves and surfaces, it is necessary to have more sophisticated tools than are usually found in textbooks on the topic. In particular, students must have a firm grasp on certain topological theories. Indeed, this monograph treats the Gauss-Bonnet theorem and discusses the Euler characteristic. The last chapter addresses the global geometry of curves, including periodic space curves and the four vertices theorem for plane curves that are not necessarily convex. This volume is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers interested in the differential geometry of curves and surfaces.