This book differs from a number of recent books on this subject in that
it combines analytic and geometric methods at the outset, so that the
reader can grasp the basic results of the subject. Although such modern
techniques of sheaf theory, cohomology, and commutative algebra are not
covered here, the book provides a solid foundation to proceed to more
advanced texts in general algebraic geometry, complex manifolds, and
Riemann surfaces, as well as algebraic curves. Containing numerous
exercises this book would make an excellent introductory text.