J. Frank Adams, the founder of stable homotopy theory, gave a lecture
series at the University of Chicago in 1967, 1970, and 1971, the
well-written notes of which are published in this classic in algebraic
topology. The three series focused on Novikov's work on operations in
complex cobordism, Quillen's work on formal groups and complex
cobordism, and stable homotopy and generalized homology. Adams's
exposition of the first two topics played a vital role in setting the
stage for modern work on periodicity phenomena in stable homotopy
theory. His exposition on the third topic occupies the bulk of the book
and gives his definitive treatment of the Adams spectral sequence along
with many detailed examples and calculations in KU-theory that help give
a feel for the subject.