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.
