This is an excellent book on abstract algebra that makes the transition into this difficult area<br>as painless as possible. As a engineer who was forced to learn group theory, I read through at least 50 books<br>on this subject (another good choice is<br>Groups and Their Graphs by Grossman)<br> and Pinter's treatment was the most user friendly treatment I came across.<br><br>I have no doubt that most physicists and applied scientists would<br>also love the style of this book. However, ivory tower mathematics types might put their nose up at the<br>way Pinter develops the material.<br>Specifically, this book goes to great lengths to show the scaffolding behind the ideas and proofs. Concrete<br>examples and toy problems are given without apology.<br> As a result, the<br>mathematics  is brought alive and not depicted as cold and detached theorem proving. This book actually<br>is a perfect response to the snobby elitism exuded by many<br>advanced math texts.  Overall, this book is a model of good mathematics texbook writing.  My highest recommendation.