String Theory (2 Volume Set) (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 974 pages
• Published by: Cambridge University Press
• Edition: 1st Edition October 28, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0521633125
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0521633123
• Book Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.2 x 2.4 inches
• Weighs: 4.8 pounds

Product Review
'Polchinski is a major contributor to the exciting developments that have revolutionised our understanding of string theory during the past four years; he is also an exemplary teacher, as Steven Weinberg attests in his foreword. He has produced an outstanding two-volume text, with numerous exercises accompanying each chapter. It is destined to become a classic awesome.' David Bailin, The Times Higher Education Supplement

' the most comprehensive text addressing the discoveries of the superstring revolutions of the early to mid 1990s, 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

'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

'It amply fulfils the need to inspire future string theorists on their long slog and is destined to become a classic. It is a truly exciting enterprise and one hugely served by this awesome book.' David Bailin, The Times Higher Education Supplement

' 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 very complete index.' Physics Today

Product Description
Available for the first time in paperback, String Theory comprises two volumes which present an up-to-date, comprehensive account of the subject. Volume 1, An Introduction to the Bosonic String, provides a thorough introduction to the bosonic string, based on the Polyakov path integral and conformal field theory. Volume 2, Superstring Theory and Beyond, begins with an introduction to supersymmetric string theories and progresses to a broad presentation of the important advances of recent years. Both volumes contain an annotated reference section, and a detailed glossary of important terms and concepts. Many exercises are included to re-inforce the text's main points as well as stimulate additional ideas. The volumes are an essential text/reference for graduate students and researchers in theoretical physics, particle physics and relativity.

Reader Reviews
This review is from: String Theory 2 Volume Set (Cambridge Monographs on Mathematical Physics) (Paperback) This 2 volume set is truly a great deal, since it probably is the best book on the subject. The first volume introduces the bosonic string thoroughly. There are problem sections in each chapter, but no answers. At the end of the book, there is a list of key concepts, which makes finding related subjects easier via the index, which is well organised. The second volume starts off with the (fermionic) superstring, which could have been done more extensively, since the super-Virasoro algebra and super-CFT are more or less stated, which is in contrast to the detailed derivations of the first volume. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful treatment of superstring theory and the more advanced topics that have been introduced in the first volume or for which the basic ingredients have been discussed. The book introduces modern research concepts that are not contained in the standard reference by Green, Schwarz & Witten, which is not as easy to read as Polchinski's 2 volume set. Both volumes have large reference lists to textbooks and articles, which come in handy, when you need some more information. In order to be able to read the book, one needs basic knowledge of quantum field theory and Lie algebras, but some of the concepts needed are discussed briefly or references to other works are given. Studying string theory without this book simply would not be the same. For any self-respecting physicist with an interest in string theory this book is a definitive must.