Synopses & Reviews
Volume 2: Superstring Theory and Beyond, begins with an introduction to supersymmetric string theories and goes on to a broad presentation of the important advances of recent years. The book first introduces the type I, type II, and heterotic superstring theories and their interactions. It then goes on to present important recent discoveries about strongly coupled strings, beginning with a detailed treatment of D-branes and their dynamics, and covering string duality, M-theory, and black hole entropy, and discusses many classic results in conformal field theory. The final four chapters are concerned with four-dimensional string theories, and have two goals: to show how some of the simplest string models connect with previous ideas for unifying the Standard Model; and to collect many important and beautiful general results on world-sheet and spacetime symmetries.
Review
"The present volume succeeds in giving a detailed yet comprehensive account of our current knowledge of superstring dynamics. The topics covered range from the basic construction of the theories to the most recent discoveries on their non-perturbative behaviour. The discussion is remarkably self-contained (the volume even contains a useful appendix on spinors and supersymmetry in several dimensions), and thus may serve as an introduction to the subject, and as an excellent reference for researchers in the field." Mathematical Reviews
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 ... magnificent.' David Bailin, The Times Higher Education Supplement
Review
'... 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
Review
'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
Review
'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
Review
'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 magnificent book.' David Bailin, The Times Higher Education Supplement
Review
'... 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
Synopsis
An important book providing a clear introduction to this area of theoretical physics; for graduate students and researchers.
Synopsis
Now in paperback, an up-to-date, comprehensive account of supersymmetric strings; for graduate students and researchers.
Synopsis
Available for the first time in paperback, String Theory comprises two volumes which give an up-to-date, comprehensive and pedagogic account of the subject. Volume 1, An Introduction to the Bosonic String, gives a thorough introduction, 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 goes on to a broad presentation of the important advances of recent years. An essential text and reference for graduate students and researchers interested in superstring theory.
Table of Contents
Volume I: 1. A first look at strings; 2. Conformal field theory; 3. The Polyakov path integral; 4. The string spectrum; 5. The string S-matrix; 6. Tree level amplitudes; 7. One loop amplitudes; 8. Toroidal compactification and T-duality; 9. Higher order amplitudes; Appendix A. A short course on path integrals; References; Glossary; Index. Volume 2: 10. Type I and type II superstrings; 11. The heterototic string; 12. Superstring interactions; 13. D-branes; 14. Strings at strong coupling; 15. Advanced conformal field theory; 16. Orbifolds; 17. Calabi-Yau compactification; 18. Spacetime physics; 19. Advanced topics; Appendix B. Spinors and SUSY in various dimensions; References; Glossary; Index.