[istultus]

I think the book's name confuses true neophytes who've never even heard of vector space and assume that this book will teach them applied linear algebra. I always thought that this book is for people like me who have already played around with matrices and remember most of the theorems (the intuitive ones), but are left with a creeping sensation of "I know the magic works, but ~why~ does it work?". Needless to say this is a go to reference for me whenever I see a need to refresh something of the basics.

Or in short - the Yin and Yang of mathematics - sometimes you need the excellent dry theory and sometimes you need the more concrete but messy application, and in truth you will always vacillate between the two - this is the former.

[leto_ii]

> sometimes you need the excellent dry theory and sometimes you need the more concrete but messy application, and in truth you will always vacillate between the two - this is the former

Fully agree. Axler says it quite clearly that the book is intended for a second course in linear algebra. While not an applied text, I find it close enough that it allows you to subsequently go back to your applied material and see it with new eyes.