I am taking Abstract Algebra next semester and I would like to get a head start now. The assigned book for the class is Topics in Algebra by Herstein, but I have heard Algebra by Artin is superior.
Now just that information alone is enough to convince me to pick Artin, but I am on a time crunch here. I work full time and as a result I can never make it to the class. So I have to self study everything and because of full time work, I have to manage my time very well.
Keeping time management and efficiency in mind, should I ditch Herstein for Artin, or should I stick with the assigned textbook?
I am asking this because one can be more challenging or have more material than the other so it might take longer to get through the same topic than the other book.
PS: I know the topics that will be covered. And, I also own Algebra by Hungerford and Abstract Algebra by D&F in addition to Herstein and Artin.