"Lectures on Finitely Generated Solvable Groups" are based on the Topics in Group Theory" course focused on finitely generated solvable groups that was given by Gilbert G. Baumslag at the Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York. While knowledge about finitely generated nilpotent groups is extensive, much less is known about the more general class of solvable groups containing them. The study of finitely generated solvable groups involves many different threads; thereforethese notes contain discussions on HNN extensions; amalgamated and wreath products; and other concepts from combinatorial group theory as well as commutative algebra. Along with Baumslag s Embedding Theorem for Finitely Generated Metabelian Groups, two theorems of Bieri and Strebel are presented to provide a solid foundation for understanding the fascinating class of finitely generated solvable groups. Examples are also supplied, which help illuminate many of the key concepts contained in the notes. Requiring only a modest initial group theory background from graduate and post-graduate students, these notes provide a field guide to the class of finitely generated solvable groups froma combinatorial group theory perspective. "

This textbook offers students with a basic understanding of group theory a preview of several interesting groups they would not typically encounter until later in their academic careers. By presenting these advanced concepts at this stage, they will gain a deeper understanding of the subject and be motivated to explore more of it. Groups covered include Thompson's groups, self-similar groups, Lamplighter groups, and Baumslag-Solitar groups. Each chapter focuses on one of these groups, and begins by discussing why they are interesting, how they originated, and why they are important mathematically. A collection of specific references for additional reading, topics for further research, and exercises are included at the end of every chapter to encourage students' continued education. With its accessible presentation and engaging style, A Sampling of Remarkable Groups is suitable for students in upper-level undergraduate or beginning graduate abstract algebra courses. It will also be of interest to researchers in mathematics, computer science, and related fields.