Aimed at advanced undergraduates and graduate students, this book is
about the interplay between algebraic topology and the theory of
infinite discrete groups. It is a hugely important contribution to the
field of topological and geometric group theory, and is bound to become
a standard reference in the field. To keep the length reasonable and the
focus clear, the author assumes the reader knows or can easily learn the
necessary algebra, but wants to see the topology done in detail. The
central subject of the book is the theory of ends. Here the author
adopts a new algebraic approach which is geometric in spirit. The author
has included material which isn't covered in other textbooks. Much of
the material will be of interest to group theorists who would like to
know more about the topological side of their subject, as well as
manifold topologists looking for basic material on proper homotopy and
finite homology.