A Taste of Jordan Algebras

Focusing on Jordan algebras, this text serves as a companion for graduate students seeking a foundational understanding of nonassociative algebra. Aimed at those with a solid background in first-year graduate algebra, it emphasizes self-guided learning and offers a conversational tone, filled with heuristic explanations, philosophical insights, and historical anecdotes. While not designed as a research training tool, it aims to inspire curiosity and deeper exploration of the subject, making it accessible and engaging for students new to this area of mathematics.