The representation theory of finite groups has seen rapid growth in recent years with the development of efficient algorithms and computer algebra systems. This is the first book to provide an introduction to the ordinary and modular representation theory of finite groups with special emphasis on the computational aspects of the subject. Evolving from courses taught at Aachen University, this well-paced text is ideal for graduate-level study. The authors provide over 200 exercises, both theoretical and computational, and include worked examples using the computer algebra system GAP. These make the abstract theory tangible and engage students in real hands-on work. GAP is freely available from www.gap-system.org and readers can download source code and solutions to selected exercises from the book's web page.

'Representations of Groups: A Computational Approach, by Lux and Pahlings, is a well-constructed, dense, and, its introductory nature notwithstanding, pretty far-reaching text. Happily, it is also quite accessible.'

Source: MAA Reviews

'Where the authors' treatment differs most from others is in the prominence given to calculation of real examples … I enjoyed reading this book, and recommend it as a good modern second course in representation theory. The choice of topics and their arrangement are interest [and] clearly well thought out.'

Source: Bulletin of the London Mathematical Society

'The book is well-written and many graduate students can benefit from the book to enhance their research work.'

Source: Zentralblatt MATH

'… a wonderful, nice and significant book, which is so well written … recommended to a wide range of mathematicians …'

Source: Mathematical Reviews