Provides a clear introduction to three related subjects whose interplay enhances intuitive understanding Focuses on geodesics as a tool for better understanding Riemannian geometry and as a source of examples in dynamical systems Offers a unique presentation of the very modern theory of the Conley index as a generalization of Morse theory and as a means for understanding topological dynamical systems Takes an example-based approach to the more cryptic notions of differential geometry Accessible, concise, and self-contained, this book offers an outstanding introduction to three related...