3-Transposition Groups

In 1970 Bernd Fischer proved his beautiful theorem classifying the almost simple groups generated by 3-transpositions and in the process discovered three new sporadic groups now known as the Fischer groups. Since then the theory of 3-transposition groups has become an important part of finite simple group theory but Fischer''s work has remained unpublished. 3-Transposition Groups contains the first published proof of Fischer''s Theorem written out completely in one place. Fischer''s result while important and deep (covering a number of complex examples) can be understood by any student with some knowledge of elementary group theory and finite geometry. Part I of this book has minimal prerequisites and could be used as a text for an intermediate level graduate course; parts II and III are aimed at specialists in finite groups.