In this volume we present a survey of the theory of Galois module structure for rings of algebraic integers. This theory has experienced a rapid growth in the last ten to twelve years, acquiring mathematical depth and significance and leading to new insights also in other branches of algebraic number theory. The decisive take-off point was the discovery of its connection with Artin L-functions. We shall concentrate on the topic which has been at the centre of this development, namely the global module structure for tame Galois extensions of numberfields -in other words of extensions with trivial local module structure. The basic problem can be stated in down to earth terms: the nature of the obstruction to the existence of a free basis over the integral group ring ("normal integral basis"). Here a definitive pattern of a theory has emerged, central problems have been solved, and a stage has clearly been reached when a systematic account has become both possible and desirable. Of course, the solution of one set of problems has led to new questions and it will be our aim also to discuss some of these. We hope to help the reader early on to an understanding of the basic structure of our theory and of its central theme, and to motivate at each successive stage the introduction of new concepts and new tools.

This book originates from graduate courses given in Cambridge and London. It provides a brisk, thorough treatment of the foundations of algebraic number theory, and builds on that to introduce more advanced ideas. Throughout, the authors emphasise the systematic development of techniques for the explicit calculation of the basic invariants, such as rings of integers, class groups, and units. Moreover they combine, at each stage of development, theory with explicit computations and applications, and provide motivation in terms of classical number-theoretic problems. A number of special topics are included that can be treated at this level but can usually only be found in research monographs or original papers, for instance: module theory of Dedekind domains; tame and wild ramifications; Gauss series and Gauss periods; binary quadratic forms; and Brauer relations. This is the only textbook at this level which combines clean, modern algebraic techniques together with a substantial arithmetic content. It will be indispensable for all practising and would-be algebraic number theorists.

Dieser Buchtitel ist Teil des Digitalisierungsprojekts Springer Book Archives mit Publikationen, die seit den Anfangen des Verlags von 1842 erschienen sind. Der Verlag stellt mit diesem Archiv Quellen fur die historische wie auch die disziplingeschichtliche Forschung zur Verfugung, die jeweils im historischen Kontext betrachtet werden mussen. Dieser Titel erschien in der Zeit vor 1945 und wird daher in seiner zeittypischen politisch-ideologischen Ausrichtung vom Verlag nicht beworben.

Dieser Buchtitel ist Teil des Digitalisierungsprojekts Springer Book Archives mit Publikationen, die seit den Anfangen des Verlags von 1842 erschienen sind. Der Verlag stellt mit diesem Archiv Quellen fur die historische wie auch die disziplingeschichtliche Forschung zur Verfugung, die jeweils im historischen Kontext betrachtet werden mussen. Dieser Titel erschien in der Zeit vor 1945 und wird daher in seiner zeittypischen politisch-ideologischen Ausrichtung vom Verlag nicht beworben.