Synopses & Reviews
In 1979, John Conway and Simon Norton's famous paper, 'Monstrous Moonshine', outlined the remarkable connection between the monster group M and the theory of modular functions. The search for an explanation of this phenomenon involved the development and application of diverse areas of mathematics, including (generalized) Kac-Moody algebras, vertex (operator) algebras, automorphic forms and elliptic cohomology, together with string and conformal field theory from theoretical physics. This volume consists of seventeen papers based on talks presented at a workshop held to mark the anniversary of 'Monstrous Moonshine'. Containing a mixture of expository and current research material, they illustrate its extensive impact and reflect the broad range of research activity that has stemmed from the Moonshine conjectures. Potential directions for future development are also discussed.
Synopsis
Examines the impact of the 'Monstrous Moonshine' paper on mathematics and theoretical physics.
Synopsis
The topic of Monstrous Moonshine has been a major development in mathematics since 1979. Beginning with remarkable conjectures relating finite group theory and number theory that stimulated an outpouring of new ideas, Monstrous Moonshine deeply involves many different areas of mathematics, as well as string theory and conformal field theory in physics. It has changed the landscape of many fields.
This volume consists of 17 papers by research leaders, based on talks presented at a workshop held to mark the anniversary of the Monstrous Moonshine conjectures. The papers, which include surveys of many important developments, will give the reader a view of a wide range of current activity and promising directions for future research.