TITLE: Choosing an abstract algebra text
QUESTION [20 upvotes]: I was wondering if some one here would please recommend an abstract algebra text book.
In particular, I am seeking a text from among one of these:
1) Abstract Algebra by Dummit and Foote
2) Algebra by Michael Artin
3) Topics in Algebra by Herstein.
I was wondering which text is best for a high school student and has great exposition and good problems. My goal is study some algebraic number theory some time later in the near future as I liked elementary number theory.

REPLY [6 votes]: Of the three texts that you have mentioned, Dummit and Foote is the only one I have looked at and it is indeed an extremely good entry level book. 
I would also recommend A First Course in Abstract Algebra by John B. Fraleigh. This was the first abstract algebra book I encountered and I found it to be an invaluable reference with many useful examples. 
As others have said above, the important thing about learning abstract algebra (or any kind of maths for that matter) is doing exercises, rather than just simply reading page after page of theory. This is the way that you learn what is $\textit{actually}$ happening!