Grassmannians are a pretty useful subject in numerous fields of mathematics (and physics). In fact, it was the first non-trivial higher-dimensional example that was given in an introductory projective geometry course during my education. Later I learned you can use them to define universal bundles and that they are playing a role in higher-dimensional geometry and topology. Though I have never came across a book or a survey article on the geometry and topology of those beasts. The field is a little wide, so let me specify what I am interested in: Topology and Geometry of Grassmannians G_k(R^n) or G_k(C^n). Connections with bundle and obstruction theory. Differential Topology of G_k(R^n) or G_k(C^n) (for instance, are there exotic Grassmannians). Homotopy Theory of G_k(R^n) or G_k(C^n). Alg

Annie French

Annie French

Answered question

2022-11-03

Grassmannians are a pretty useful subject in numerous fields of mathematics (and physics). In fact, it was the first non-trivial higher-dimensional example that was given in an introductory projective geometry course during my education.
Later I learned you can use them to define universal bundles and that they are playing a role in higher-dimensional geometry and topology. Though I have never came across a book or a survey article on the geometry and topology of those beasts. The field is a little wide, so let me specify what I am interested in:
Topology and Geometry of Grassmannians G k ( R n ) or G k ( C n )
Connections with bundle and obstruction theory.
Differential Topology of G k ( R n ) or G k ( C n ) (for instance, are there exotic Grassmannians).
Homotopy Theory of G k ( R n ) or G k ( C n ).
Algebraic Geometry of G k ( V ), where V is a n-dimensional vectorspace over a (possible characteristic 0 field F)

Answer & Explanation

Envetenib8ne

Envetenib8ne

Beginner2022-11-04Added 17 answers

I enjoyed the book by Milnor and Stasheff, "Characteristic Classes." This explains the business of the universal bundle, and the cohomology ring (which is to say, characteristic classes).
As for the algebraic case...this is explained in the new edition of EGA I, but it is a little technical. There are also explanations in the book "FGA Explained."

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