Since the beginning of the modern era of algebraic topology,
simplicial
methods have been used systematically and effectively for both
computation and basic theory. With the development of Quillen's concept
of a closed model category and, in particular, a simplicial model
category, this collection of methods has become the primary way to
describe non-abelian homological algebra and to address
homotopy-theoretical issues in a variety of fields, including algebraic
K-theory. This book supplies a modern exposition of these ideas,
emphasizing model category theoretical techniques.
Discussed here are the homotopy theory of simplicial sets, and other
basic
topics such as simplicial groups, Postnikov towers, and bisimplicial
sets.
The more advanced material includes homotopy limits and colimits,
localization with respect to a map and with respect to a homology
theory,
cosimplicial spaces, and homotopy coherence. Interspersed throughout
are
many results and ideas well-known to experts, but uncollected in the
literature.
Intended for second-year graduate students and beyond, this book
introduces many of the basic tools of modern homotopy theory. An
extensive background in topology is not assumed.