Springer Lectures on Morse Homology: 29 (Texts in the Mathematical Sciences, 29)

This book offers a detailed presentation of results needed to prove the Morse Homology Theorem using classical techniques from algebraic topology and homotopy theory. The text presents results that were formerly scattered in the mathematical literature, in a single reference with complete and detailed proofs. The core material includes CW-complexes, Morse theory, hyperbolic dynamical systems (the Lamba-Lemma, the Stable/Unstable Manifold Theorem), transversality theory, the Morse-Smale-Witten boundary operator, and Conley index theory. Review From the reviews of the first edition: "This book presents in great detail all the results one needs to prove the Morse homology theorem using classical techniques from algebraic topology and homotopy theory. … This book collects all these results together into a single reference with complete and detailed proofs. … With the stress on completeness and by its elementary approach to Morse homology, this book is suitable as a textbook for a graduate level course, or as a reference for working mathematicians and physicists." (Bulletin Bibliographique, Vol. 51 (1-2), 2005) "This book provides a treatment of finite-dimensional Morse theory and its associated chain complex, pitched at a level appropriate to early-stage graduate students. … Throughout, the authors take pains to make the material accessible, and … extensive references are provided. … Many well-drawn figures are provided to clarify the text, and there are over 200 exercises, with hints for some of them in the back. … Banyaga and Hurtubise’s book provides a valuable service by introducing young mathematicians to a circle of ideas … ." (Michael J. Usher, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2006 i) "This book is an exposition of the ‘classical’ approach to finite dimensional Morse homology. … This book presents in great detail all the results one needs to prove the Morse Homology theorem … . References to the literature are provided throughout the book … . A lot of examples, suggestive figures and diagrams in every chapter and many useful exercises at the end of the chapters makes this book a good and attractive textbook (as well as an excellent monograph). … The bibliography is exhaustive." (Ioan Pop, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1080, 2006)