Rational points on curves over finite fields

"In 1985, Jean-Pierre Serre gave a series of lectures at Harvard University on the number of points of curves over finite fields. Based on notes taken at that time by F.Q. Gouvêa, the present revised and completed document provides an insightful introduction to this beautiful topic and to most of the ideas that have been developed in this area during the last 30 years"--Back cover.