Topology and Geometry (Graduate Texts in Mathematics, No 139)

Rating:
Summary: Among the best textbooks in algebraic topology.
Review: As the previous reviewers have commented, this book is very accessible and detailed. I should add that the authour never lets you get lost in the labyrinth of abstract nonsense; the treatment is always geometric rather than homologico-algebraic. The only complaint I have is, the book would be more useful with chapters on spectral sequenses, cobordism and K-theory.

Rating:
Summary: The Graduate Sudent's Topology Bible
Review: If you want to learn topology, this book is the place. Though this text can require some maturity, the range of topics and the clarity of exposition are outstanding. My only complaint is that an additional appendix covering the basics of category theory would have been quite useful. Bredon not infrequently uses the language of category theory (though always in a non-essential way). Since this text is aimed at 1st year graduate students, I think the tacit assumption that the student has already encountered these topics is not justified. That such a minor point is my chief complaint speaks volumes of my esteem for this text.

Rating:
Summary: excellent for first year graduate study
Review: This was the assigned book in my first year grad topology course. It has good examples, interesting exercises. I like the emphasis on geometrical examples, constructions. It's not easy to read, but interesting.