Set theory

Thomas J. Jech

This introduction to modern set theory covers all aspects of its two main general areas: classical set theory including large cardinals, infinitary combinatorics, desriptive set theory, and independence proofs starting with Goedel's proof around 1938 followed by Cohen's proof in 1963, whereby Cohen's method of forcing probably had a greater influence on mathematics. The author's primary emphasis is on forcing and large cardinals (on which he has collected an enormous amount of material which had previously been available only through scattered journal articles or private communication) but there is a substantial discussion of descriptive set theory and infinitary combinatorics as well. The author's presentation is very well-organized and carefully worked out and has become a standard reference.