Fundamental to all areas of mathematics, algebra provides the cornerstone for the studenta s development. The concepts are often intuitive, but some can take years of study to fully absorb. For over twenty years, the authora s classic three--volume set, Algebra, has been regarded by many as the most outstanding introductory work available. This work, Classic Algebra, combines a fully updated Volume 1 with the essential topics from Volumes 2 and 3, and provides a self--contained introduction to the subject.