Algebraic curves have many special properties that make their study particularly rewarding. As a result, curves provide a natural introduction to algebraic geometry. In this book, the authors also bring out aspects of curves that are unique to them and emphasize connections with algebra. This text covers the essential topics in the geometry of algebraic curves, such as line bundles and vector bundles, the Riemann-Roch Theorem, divisors, coherent sheaves, and zeroth and first cohomology groups. The authors make a point of using concrete examples and explicit methods to ensure that the style is clear and understandable. Several chapters develop the connections between the geometry of algebraic curves and the algebra of one-dimensional fields. This is an interesting topic that is rarely found in introductory texts on algebraic geometry. This book makes an excellent text for a first course for graduate students.