This is a genuine introduction to algebraic geometry. The author makes noassumption that readers know more than can be expected of a goodundergraduate. He introduces fundamental concepts in a way that enablesstudents to move on to a more advanced book or course that relies more heavilyon commutative algebra.The language is purposefully kept on an elementary level, avoiding sheaftheory and cohomology theory. The introduction of new algebraic concepts isalways motivated by a discussion of the corresponding geometric ideas. Themain point of the book is to illustrate the interplay between abstract theoryand specific examples. The book contains numerous problems that illustrate thegeneral theory.The text is suitable for advanced undergraduates and beginning graduatestudents. It contains sufficient material for a one-semester course. Thereader should be familiar with the basic concepts of modern algebra. A coursein one complex variable would be helpful, but is not necessary. It is also anexcellent text for those working in neighboring fields (algebraic topology,algebra, Lie groups, etc.) who need to know the basics of algebraic geometry.