An introduction to Riemann surfaces, algebraic curves and moduli spaces

This book gives an introduction to modern geometry. Starting from an elementary level the author develops deep geometrical concepts, playing an important role today in contemporary theoretical physics. He presents various techniques and viewpoints, thereby showing the relations between the alternative approaches. At the end of each chapter suggestions for further reading are given to allow the reader to study the touched topics in greater detail. This second edition of the book contains two additional more advanced geometric techniques - the modern language and modern view of Algebraic Geometry, and Mirror Symmetry. The book grew out of lecture courses. The presentation style is therefore similar to a lecture.