I had two types of exposure to group theory before I read this book. The first was in a physics context, and the exposure I received from that direction proved too vague and undisciplined to yield any real understanding. Conversely, from the purely mathematical, formal perspective I found group theory so dry it blew away in the wind before I could sink my teeth into it. This book bridged the gap for me and helped illuminate the gestalt of group theory and application. Highly recommended!