Class Field Theory

From the reviews:

"This book has grown out of lectures on the subject by the author. … it must have been fun for both the author presenting these courses on class field theory and the students taking them and eager to learn the subject. … list of contents may give a good impression of how class field theory is developed in this book. … each chapter is commenced by a short introduction describing what is going on next. I enjoyed seeing explicit examples and nice applications … ." (Jürgen Ritter, Mathematical Reviews, Issue 2009 i)

"Class field theory studies abelian extensions of number fields and their completions. … The clarity of the exposition and the many exercises ranging from routine to quite challenging problems make the book perfect for a first introduction to class field theory." (Franz Lemmermeyer, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1165, 2009)

“In a fast ride, running half the length of many competing volumes, Childress (Arizona State) employs a balanced mix of standard tools for a remarkably honed introduction … . Good to read alongside fleshier accounts; probably more accessible … . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers/faculty.” (D. V. Feldman, Choice, Vol. 47 (3), November, 2009)

“This is a first introduction to class field theory. … The author succeeds in making the material accessible by proceeding at a moderate pace. This relatively slim book is a good choice for anyone who wants to get an idea of what class field theory is about before tackling a more comprehensive textbook or monograph.” (Ch. Baxa, Monatshefte für Mathematik, Vol. 164 (3), November, 2011)