This graduate text could form core of a one or two semester algebra class at the MS or PhD level. It is wonderfully well written; however, the exposition is decidedly different from the typical graduate math text. Instead of the typical theorem/proof format, a more narrative approach is taken. Some readers may find this approach difficult or unsettling, but I personally find it quite appealing and easy to read. The treatment is still quite rigorous with formal statements of theorems and proofs given. Reading this book feels like having a conversation with an expert. Everyone will find some new tidbit or insight from a careful read of this book.
