I want to learn the classification of finite simple groups. But it is often commented that it is a theorem spanning tens of thousands of pages of research papers. So it is quite intimidating to an outsider like me.
Can someone please point me where to start and trace out atleast the first few basic must reads in order to get started in this business?
My current background: Representation Theory (of finite groups, semisimple Lie algebras; only very basic stuff)
Best Answer
The book "The Finite Simple Groups" by Robert Wilson gives a great overview and every chapter ends with a section on further reading. I think this might be the best start to this big project of understanding the classification.