These notes are a record of a course given in Algiers from 10th to 21st May, 1965. Their contents are as follows. The first two chapters are a summary, without proofs, of the general properties of nilpotent, solvable, and semisimple Lie algebras. These are well-known results, for which the reader can refer to, for example, Chapter I of Bourbaki or my Harvard notes. The theory of complex semisimple algebras occupies Chapters III and IV. The proofs of the main theorems are essentially complete; however, I have also found it useful to mention some complementary results without proof. These are indicated by an asterisk, and the proofs can be found in Bourbaki, Groupes et Algebres de Lie, Paris, Hermann, 1960-1975, Chapters IV-VIII. A final chapter shows, without proof, how to pass from Lie algebras to Lie groups (complex-and also compact). It is just an introduction, aimed at guiding the reader towards the topology of Lie groups and the theory of algebraic groups. I am happy to thank MM. Pierre Gigord and Daniel Lehmann, who wrote up a first draft of these notes, and also Mlle. Franl(oise Pecha who was responsible for the typing of the manuscript.
These short notes, already well-known in their original French edition, give the basic theory of semisimple Lie algebras over the complex numbers, including classification theorem. The author begins with a summary of the general properties of nilpotent, solvable, and semisimple Lie algebras. Subsequent chapters introduce Cartan subalgebras, root systems, and linear representations. The last chapter discusses the connection between Lie algebras, complex groups and compact groups; it is intended to guide the reader towards further study.
From the reviews of the French edition:
"...the book is intended for those who have an acquaintance with the basic parts of the theory, namely, with those general theorems on Lie algebras which do not depend on the notion of Cartan subalgebra. The author begins with a summary of these general theorems and then discusses in detail the structure and representation theory of complex semisimple Lie algebras. One recognizes here a skillful ordering of the material, many simplifications of classical arguments and a new theorem describing fundamental relations between canonical generators of semisimple Lie algebras. The classical theory being thus introduced in such modern form, the reader can quickly reach the essence of the theory through the present book." (Mathematical Reviews)
