Few books on the subject of Riemann surfaces cover the relatively modern theory of dessins d'enfants (children's drawings), which was launched by Grothendieck in the 1980s and is now an active field of research. In this 2011 book, the authors begin with an elementary account of the theory of compact Riemann surfaces viewed as algebraic curves and as quotients of the hyperbolic plane by the action of Fuchsian groups of finite type. They then use this knowledge to introduce the reader to the theory of dessins d'enfants and its connection with algebraic curves defined over number fields. A large number of worked examples are provided to aid understanding, so no experience beyond the undergraduate level is required. Readers without any previous knowledge of the field of dessins d'enfants are taken rapidly to the forefront of current research.

Few books on the subject of Riemann surfaces cover the relatively modern theory of dessins d'enfants (children's drawings), which was launched by Grothendieck in the 1980s and is now an active field of research. In this 2011 book, the authors begin with an elementary account of the theory of compact Riemann surfaces viewed as algebraic curves and as quotients of the hyperbolic plane by the action of Fuchsian groups of finite type. They then use this knowledge to introduce the reader to the theory of dessins d'enfants and its connection with algebraic curves defined over number fields. A large number of worked examples are provided to aid understanding, so no experience beyond the undergraduate level is required. Readers without any previous knowledge of the field of dessins d'enfants are taken rapidly to the forefront of current research.

Riemann surfaces is a thriving area of mathematics with applications to hyperbolic geometry, complex analysis, fractal geometry, conformal dynamics, discrete groups, geometric group theory, algebraic curves and their moduli, various kinds of deformation theory, coding, thermodynamic formalism, and topology of three-dimensional manifolds. This collection of articles, authored by leading authorities in the field, comprises 16 expository essays presenting original research and expert surveys of important topics related to Riemann surfaces and their geometry. It complements the body of recorded research presented in the primary literature by broadening, re-working and extending it in a more focused and less formal framework, and provides a valuable commentary on contemporary work in the subject. An introductory section sets the scene and provides sufficient background to allow graduate students and research workers from other related areas access to the field.