The two volumes that comprise String Theory provide an up-to-date, comprehensive account of string theory. Volume 1 provides a thorough introduction to the bosonic string, based on the Polyakov path integral and conformal field theory. The first four chapters introduce the central ideas of string theory, the tools of conformal field theory, the Polyakov path integral, and the covariant quantization of the string. The book then treats string interactions: the general formalism, and detailed treatments of the tree level and one loop amplitudes. Toroidal compactification and many important aspects of string physics, such as T-duality and D-branes are also covered, as are higher-order amplitudes, including an analysis of their finiteness and unitarity, and various nonperturbative ideas. The volume closes with an appendix giving a short course on path integral methods, followed by annotated references, and a detailed glossary.
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"...the most comprehensive text addressing the discoveries of the superstring revolutions of the early to mid 1990's, which mark the beginnings of 'modern' string theory." Donald Marolf, University of California Santa Barbara, American Journal of Physics
"Physicists believe that the best hope for a fundamental theory of nature--including unification of quantum mechanics with general relativity and elementary particle theory--lies in string theory. This elegant mathematical physics subject is expounded by Joseph Polchinski in two volumes from Cambridge University Press...Written for advanced students and researchers, this set provides thorough and up-to-date knowledge." American Scientist
"...this is an impressive book. It is notable for its consistent line of development and the clarity and insight with which topics are treated...It is hard to think of a better text in an advanced graduate area, and it is rare to have one written by a master of the subject. It is worth pointing out that the book also contains a collection of useful problems, a glossary, and an unusually complete index." Physics Today
"We would like to stress the pedagogical value of the present book. The approach taken is modern and pleasantly systematic, and it covers a broad class of results in a unified language. A set of exercises at the end of each chapter complements the discussions in the main text. On the other hand, the introduction of techniques and concepts essential in the context of superstrings makes it a useful reference for researchers in the field." Mathematical Reviews
"Physicists believe that the best hope for a fundamental theory of nature--including unification of quantum mechanics with general relativity and elementary particle theory--lies in string theory. This elegant mathematical physics subject is expounded by Joseph Polchinski in two volumes from Cambridge University Press...Written for advanced students and researchers, this set provides thorough and up-to-date knowledge." American Scientist
"...this is an impressive book. It is notable for its consistent line of development and the clarity and insight with which topics are treated...It is hard to think of a better text in an advanced graduate area, and it is rare to have one written by a master of the subject. It is worth pointing out that the book also contains a collection of useful problems, a glossary, and an unusually complete index." Physics Today
"We would like to stress the pedagogical value of the present book. The approach taken is modern and pleasantly systematic, and it covers a broad class of results in a unified language. A set of exercises at the end of each chapter complements the discussions in the main text. On the other hand, the introduction of techniques and concepts essential in the context of superstrings makes it a useful reference for researchers in the field." Mathematical Reviews
Book Description
String theory has advanced rapidly over the last 15 years and is increasingly seen as the best, and perhaps only, route to the complete unification of the four fundamental forces--the so-called "theory of everything". This text provides, in two volumes, a thoroughly modern and comprehensive introduction to strings and superstrings, and brings the reader up to date on the latest developments in string duality, M-theory, D-branes, and the application of string theory to black hole quantum mechanics. The author is one of the world's top string theorists, and is also known as a clear and cogent writer. The two volumes are written at a level appropriate to graduate students in physics. This is the first major textbook on strings since the two volume work of Green, Schwartz and Witten 10 years ago (which sold extraordinarily well, reprinting within a month of publication). The main market for the book is theoretical physicists, particle physicists, astrophysicists, cosmologists and applied mathematicians. However, this is an accessible book on one of the most fundamental questions in physics by a top researcher. It has all the ingredients to be a best seller.
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- Strings, Branes and Gravity by Theoretical Advanced Study Institute in Elementary Particle Physics on 18 pages
- Not Even Wrong: The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law by Peter Woit on 8 pages
- Progress in String Theory and M-Theory (NATO Science Series C: Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Volume 564) (NATO Science Series C: (closed)) by L. Baulieu on 6 pages
- String Phenomenology: Proceedings of the First International Conference by Steve A. Abel on 6 pages
- Progress in String Theory and M-Theory (NATO Science Series C: (closed)) by L. Baulieu on 5 pages
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