What is the order to read those string theory books?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the recommended order for reading various string theory books, including titles by Zwiebach, Polchinski, Hatfield, Kaku, Green-Schwarz-Witten, West, Johnson, and David Tong. The focus is on establishing a reading sequence that facilitates understanding of string theory concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with David Tong's notes as a primer before approaching standard texts.
  • Another participant asks for clarification regarding the order of the other books besides Tong's.
  • A different participant refers back to Tong's notes, indicating that they contain a review of the standard texts that may be useful for readers.
  • A proposed reading order is presented: Tong, Zwiebach, Hatfield, GSW, Polchinski, Kaku, West, Johnson.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on a definitive reading order, but some participants agree on the usefulness of Tong's notes as an introductory resource.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not specified the criteria for the proposed reading order, and there may be varying interpretations of the complexity or prerequisites of each text.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in string theory, particularly those seeking guidance on the sequence of study for various foundational texts in the field.

fxdung
Messages
387
Reaction score
23
Please hint me the order in time to read those String Theory books:Zwiebach,Polchinski,Hatfield,Kaku,Green-Schwarz-Witten,West,Johnson(D-Branes),David Tong(lecture on String Theory dampt).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have many of these books and would personally read Tong's notes as a primer before any serious standard text on the subject.
 
What about the other books than Tong's?
 
I would refer you to Tong again. He has a nice review of the standard texts in the first page or two of his work.
 
fxdung said:
Please hint me the order in time to read those String Theory books:Zwiebach,Polchinski,Hatfield,Kaku,Green-Schwarz-Witten,West,Johnson(D-Branes),David Tong(lecture on String Theory dampt).
A reasonable order would be: Tong, Zwiebach, Hatfield, GSW, Polchinski, Kaku, West, Johnson
 

Similar threads

High Energy String Theory Books: Intro & Advanced Level | GSW, Polchinski, McMahon, Becker
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Quantum What books/materials/subjects are needed to understand String Theory?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
5K
Other What are some good books for learning Galois Theory?
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
Quantum Looking for a good String Theory text
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • Sticky
Other Collection of Free Online Physics Books and Lecture Notes (Part 2)
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
12K
Graduate The Emergence of Space-time in String Theory
  • · Replies 33 ·
2
Replies
33
Views
9K
Graduate What is the Best Resource for Learning String Theory as a Side Project?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Admissions Statement of purpose critique request (high-energy theory PhD application)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
High Energy Recommended books in HEP, QFT, QM, GR
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Graduate Problems with quantizing branes in string theory
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K