An Introduction to Finite Projective Planes

Geared toward both beginning and advanced undergraduate and graduate students, this self-contained treatment offers an elementary approach to finite projective planes. Following a review of the basics of projective geometry, the text examines finite planes, field planes, and coordinates in an arbitrary plane. Additional topics include central collineations and the little Desargues' property, the fundamental theorem, and examples of finite non-Desarguesian planes. Virtually no knowledge or sophistication on the part of the student is assumed, and every algebraic system that arises is defined and discussed as necessary. Many exercises appear throughout the book, offering significant tools for understanding the subject as well as developing the mathematical methods needed for its study. References and a helpful appendix on the Bruck-Ryser theorem conclude the text.