This introduction to modern algebra differs from texts in this area in fundamental ways. The author's primary goal is to have the reader learn to work with mathematics through reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The choice of content is important, but he regards it as a vehicle, not as an end in itself. It is the raw material through which the readers develop the ability to understand and communicate mathematics. One non-standard feature of the book is that the author proves only a few of the theorems. Most proofs are left as exercises, and these exercises can form the core of a course based on this book.