Algebraic geometry is frequently seen as a very interesting and beautiful subject, but one that is also very difficult to get into; this is partly due to its breadth, as traditionally algebra, topology, analysis, differential geometry, Lie theory and more recently combinatorics, logic,. . .are used to study it. I have tried to make these notes accessible to a general audience by illustrating topics with elementary examples and informal geometric and heuristic arguments, and with occasional side comments for experts in the subject.
