References about 3-manifolds

Question

I am working on a subject of geometric group theory closely related to 3-manifolds, and in order to understand these links, I am seeking a good reference about 3-manifolds, as self-contained as possible, and dealing with: loop and sphere theorems, Heegaard diagrams, Haken manifolds.

I browsed Hempel's book, 3-manifolds, but a lot of PL topology seems to be assumed.

EDIT: I asked the same question on mathoverflow.

Answer 1

You can try to read Hatcher's book. It does not require a lot of background and covered a lot basic material. However, I do not know if Heegard diagrams and Haken manifolds is covered there as I never finished reading it. Real experts in the forum should be able to give better recommendations.

Answer 2

I recommend the beautifully illustrated N. Saveliev's Lectures on the topology of 3-manifolds.