Best way to learn string theory?

[CosmicDream]

I am a cosmologist/theoretical astrophysicist, and so far my research (all 2 years of it) has focused on quantum cosmology. However, I have become interested in string cosmology recently, and wish to do some work in that field. Obviously though, there is a minor problem with that idea. Learning String Theory. Does anyone have any ideas on the best methods of learning this theory?

 

[Demystifier]

Zwiebach, A First Course in String Theory
This book is written for undergraduates, so I am sure that you will be able to read it and learn a lot from it.

 

[haushofer]

I like the combination of Tong + Green,Schwarz Witten. Zwiebach is excellent as a first exposure and contains many great treatments, but is also very lengthy.

 

[arivero]

I like the combination of Tong + Green,Schwarz Witten. Zwiebach is excellent as a first exposure and contains many great treatments, but is also very lengthy.

Plus, not susy, just D=26.

 

[Demystifier]

Plus, not susy, just D=26.

The second edition of Zwiebach has susy and D=10.

 

[arivero]

The second edition of Zwiebach has susy and D=10.

Good to know. It is a huge difference, IMO.

 

[Demystifier]

Good to know. It is a huge difference, IMO.

Yes, but the corresponding new chapter is only about 20 pages long, and not very well written. So the difference is not so huge. It looks as he added this chapter only because of the pressure of the peers.

 

[theoretical_p]

@CosmicDream , since you want to know about string cosmology mainly, you should keep in mind that string theory incorporates multiverse theory . You must have clear concepts about D branes and T duality (which you shall learn in studying string theory) as string theory is a theory of not only strings but also of extended objects called branes .

I suggest the books (for beginning) - Modern introduction to string theory and M theory by J.Schwarzs , K.Becker
A First course in string theory by Barton Zwebach

And For advanced study _
String theory vol 1&2 By J.Polchinski
Supersymmetry and String theory By Michael Dine
Developments in string theory By J.Maldacena