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I tried to learn Algbraic Geometry through some texts, but by Commutative Algebra, I left the subject; many books give definitions and theorems in Commutative algebra, but do not explain why it is needed.

Can one suggest a good reference to learn this subject geometrically, which would also give ways to translate geometric ideas in algebraic manner, possibly through examples?

Particularly, I am interested in differentials on algebraic curves, Riemann-Roch theorem, various definitions of genus and their equivalences, and mainly groups related to complex algebraic curves such as group of automorphisms, monodromy group etc.

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    I had to chuckle at Riemann- *Roach* :) It's Riemann-Roch and the "och" is pronounced as in the Scottish Loch as in Loch Ness.2011-06-22
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    By the way have you looked at the related column on the right of this page, this question was asked several times already, e.g. [here](http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/1748/undergraduate-algebraic-geometry-textbook-recomendations), [here](http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/24408/are-there-any-good-algebraic-geometry-books-to-recommend), and [here](http://math.stackexchange.com/questions/998/best-algebraic-geometry-text-book-other-than-hartshorne)2011-06-22
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    @Theo: Should this mean this question should be closed as a duplicate or not?2011-06-22
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    Dear Theo, is it fair to say that this question is slightly different to the others in the sense that it is one asking for a specific set of references where "classical geometry" rather than "commutative algebra" is emphasized?2011-06-22
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    Dear Amitesh, yes, I agree, that's why I didn't vote to close (I should have said *similar* questions). I wanted to direct attention to these questions, as there are some good recommendations in those threads. @Asaf: ping.2011-06-22
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    Dear user10889, I think commutative algebra is a beautiful subject but you just need to be able to see this. Everyone is different I suppose, and I can only speak for myself, but have you tried reading Atiyah and Macdonald's *Introduction to Commutative Algebra*? It is an excellent textbook. Moreover, I think it is fair to say that one needs *at least* what is covered in this textbook to get into most areas of algebraic geometry.2011-06-22
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    @Theo: You pang? :-) I see the points now, thanks.2011-06-22
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    @Asaf [Lurch](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lurch_(The_Addams_Family)) Karagila, I presume? :)2011-06-22
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    @Theo: If anything, then cousin Itt. Preferably in the *Il était une fois... l'homme* version :-)2011-06-22
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    If and when the time comes to learn commutative algebra, I would suggest looking into [Ash's Course in Commutative Algebra](http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~r-ash/ComAlg.html) as a supplement to something like Atiyah and Macdonald. Ash uses a lighter style, provides complete proofs, and solutions to all his exercises, which makes it a nice tool for self learning. For me at least, A&M is harder to grasp the first time through without some familiarity, since it has a terse writing style.2011-06-22

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