Modular Forms and Fermat's Last Theorem (Hardcover, 1997. Corr. 2nd Printing ed.)

A collection of expanded versions of lectures given at an instructional conference on number theory and arithmetic geometry held at Boston University. The purpose of the conference, and indeed of this book, is to introduce and explain the many ideas and techniques used by Wiles in his proof, and to explain how his result can be combined with Ribets theorem and ideas of Frey and Serre to show, at long last, that Fermats Last Theorem is true. The book begins with an overview of the complete proof, followed by several introductory chapters surveying the basic theory of elliptic curves, modular functions, modular curves, Galois cohomology, and finite group schemes. In recognition of the historical significance of Fermats Last Theorem, the volume concludes by reflecting on the history of the problem, while placing Wiles'theorem into a more general Diophantine context suggesting future applications. Indispensable for students and professional mathematicians alike.