Introduction to the representation theory of compact and locally compact groups

the long version

Because of their significance in physics and chemistry, representation of Lie groups has been an area of intensive study by physicists and chemists, as well as mathematicians. This introduction is designed for graduate students who have some knowledge of finite groups and general topology, but is otherwise self-contained. The author gives direct and concise proofs of all results yet avoids the heavy machinery of functional analysis. Moreover, representative examples are treated in some detail.