Intended for a serious first course or a second course, this textbook will carry students beyond eigenvalues and eigenvectors to the classification of bilinear forms, to normal matrices, to spectral decompositions, and to the Jordan form. The authors approach their subject in a comprehensive and accessible manner, presenting notation and terminology clearly and concisely, and providing smooth transitions between topics. The examples and exercises are well designed and will aid diligent students in understanding both computational and theoretical aspects. In all, the straightest, smoothest path to the heart of linear algebra.