Frobenius Algebras and 2-D Topological Quantum Field Theories in Bloomington, MN

Describing a striking connection between topology and algebra, rather than only proving the theorem, this study demonstrates how the result fits into a more general pattern. Throughout the text emphasis is on the interplay between algebra and topology, with graphical interpretation of algebraic operations, and topological structures described algebraically in terms of generators and relations. Includes numerous exercises and examples.