The theory of elliptic curves is distinguished by its long history and by the diversity of the methods that have been used in its study. This book treats the arithmetic theory of elliptic curves in its modern formulation, through the use of basic algebraic number theory and algebraic geometry. The book begins with a brief discussion of the necessary algebro-geometric results, and proceeds with an exposition of the geometry of elliptic curves, the formal group of an elliptic curve, elliptic curves over finite fields, the complex numbers, local fields, and global fields. The last two chapters deal with integral and rational points, including Siegel’s theorem and explicit computations for the curve Y^2 = X^3 + DX.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I Algebraic Varieties

CHAPTER II Algebraic Curves

CHAPTER VIII Elliptic Curves over Global Fields

CHAPTER IV The Formal Group of an Elliptic Curve

CHAPTER V Elliptic Curves over Finite Fields

CHAPTER VI Elliptic Curves over C

CHAPTER VII Elliptic Curves over Local Fields

CHAPTER VIII Elliptic Curves over Global Fields

CHAPTER IX Integral Points on Elliptic Curves

CHAPTER XI Algorithmic Aspects of Elliptic Curves

Review

From the reviews of the second edition:

"This well-written book covers the basic facts about the geometry and arithmetic of elliptic curves, and is sure to become the standard reference in the subject. It meets the needs of at least three groups of people: students interested in doing research in Diophantine geometry, mathematicians needing a reference for standard facts about elliptic curves, and computer scientists interested in algorithms and needing an introduction to elliptic curves..."-- MATHEMATICAL REVIEWS

“The book under review is the second, revised, enlarged, and updated edition of J. Silverman’s meanwhile classical primer of the arithmetic of elliptic curves. … All together, this enlarged and updated version of J. Silverman’s classic ‘The Arithmetic of Elliptic Curves’ significantly increases the unchallenged value of this modern primer as a standard textbook in the field. … This makes the entire text a perfect source for teachers and students, for courses and self-study, and for further studies in the arithmetic of elliptic curves likewise.” (Werner Kleinert, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1194, 2010)

“For the second edition of his masterly book, the author considerably updated and improved several results and proofs. … book contains a great many exercises, many of which develop or complement the results from the main body of the book. … The reference list contains 317 items and reflects both classical and recent achievements on the topic. Notes on the exercises are an aid to the reader. … Summarizing, this is an excellent book … . useful both for experienced mathematicians and for graduate students.”­­­ (Vasil' I. Andriĭchuk, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2010 i)

“This is the second edition of an excellent textbook on the arithmetical theory of elliptic curves … . Although there are now a number of good books on this topic it has stood the test of time and become a popular introductory textand a standard reference. … The author has added remarks which point out their significance and connection to those parts of the theory he presents. These will give readers a good start if they want to study one of them.” (Ch. Baxa, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 164 (3), November, 2011)

“The book is written for graduate students … and for researchers interested in standard facts about elliptic curves. … A wonderful textbook on the arithmetic theory of elliptic curves and it is a very popular introduction to the subject. … I recommend this book for anyone interested in the mathematical study of elliptic curves. It is an excellent introduction, elegant and very well written. It is one of the best textbooks to graduate level studies I have ever had contact yet.” (Book Inspections Blog, 2012)

About the Author

Dr. Joseph Silverman is a professor at Brown University and has been an instructor or professors since 1982. He was the Chair of the Brown Mathematics department from 2001-2004. He has received numerous fellowships, grants and awards, as well as being a frequently invited lecturer. He is currently a member of the Council of the American Mathematical Society. His research areas of interest are number theory, arithmetic geometry, elliptic curves, dynamical systems and cryptography. He has co-authored over 120 publications and has had over 20 doctoral students under his tutelage. He has published 9 highly successful books with Springer, including the recently released, An Introduction to Mathematical Cryptography, for Undergraduate Texts in Mathematics.