Variational Theory of Geodesics

Compact, self-contained text by noted theorist presents the most fundamental aspects of modern differential geometry as well as the basic tools required for the study of Morse theory. Advanced treatment; analytical rather than topological aspects of Morse theory emphasized. Contents: 1. Smooth Manifolds. 2. Spaces of Affine Connection. 3. Riemannian Spaces. 4. The Variational Properties of Geodesics. Appendix Focal Points. 5. A Reduction Theorem. Index. Unabridged republication of the 1967 edition.Postnikov, M. M. is the author of 'Variational Theory of Geodesics', published 2003 under ISBN 9780486495293 and ISBN 0486495299.