book opinions wanted!..

[AndyCiep]

hi! I was just wondering what books are available that you guys would suggest as a good "first book" or introduction to the topic of superstring theory. It's very interesting stuff to me, but unfortunately its also often over my head. :frown:

thanks for any suggestions!
_Andrew

ps - I'd even be happy with "avoid the following books" responses.. at least that would prevent me from wasting time (and/or money) at the bookstore with something that probably won't help me.

[skowalcz]

I don't know how good your elementary physics is..
But I'd suggest The Elegant Universe (B.Greene) to everyone.
This is a book without formulas..

A more advanced book is
J. Polchinsky, String Theory.

Also this one is quite good (in fact it are two volumes):
M.B. Green, J.H. Schwarz, E. Witten, Superstring Theory.

Some online stuff:
Superstring theory (http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/GraduateAdmissions/greene/greene.html)
The Second Superstring Revolution (http://www.theory.caltech.edu/people/jhs/strings/index.htm)

[AndyCiep]

Thanks! I've heard of The Elegant Universe. I think that's one I'll check out soon. And yeah, if it helps - my elementary physics knowledge is quite good, but I've never taken any advanced physics classes. Just did well in general physics 1 and 2.

I also should have mentioned that I've already read:
A Brief History of Time (Hawking)
The Universe in a Nutshell (Hawking) - bit confusing, but fun.
Beyond Einstein - Michio Kaku


Anymore suggestions? All are welcome!