I think I sound stupid but I have heard a lot about Algebraic Geometry as a subject and wish to study it without actually studying abstract algebra. I have never studied abstract algebra since I am a physics student. I have always studied mathematics as part of math physics course. Means I know basics of analysis and some of the concepts of algebra (groups, rings, fields). If I plan to study algebraic geometry for interest, what should be an ideally strategy. Should I master commutative algebra first ?



Algebraic Geometry for non-mathematician
I would highly recommend first covering the book [An Invitation to Algebraic Geometry](http://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/0387989803) by Smith et al. This requires very little abstract algebra as prerequisite (only understanding of very basics about rings) and gives a very well-written introduction to algebraic geometry. It has a great mix of theory and examples and gives a good idea of what algebraic geometry is and where it goes. As a plus, it has some good exercises asking the reader to work out some examples.


