"This is an engaging and concise introduction to the main ideas in string theory. Gubser gives us a quick tour of the basic laws of physics as we understand them today, and then demonstrates how string theory seeks to go beyond them. He serves as an artful and attentive guide, as the reader explores the mysteries of quantum mechanics, black holes, strings, branes, supersymmetry, and extra dimensions in the pages of this book."--Juan Maldacena, Institute for Advanced Study

This is an engaging and concise introduction to the main ideas in string theory. Gubser gives us a quick tour of the basic laws of physics as we understand them today, and then demonstrates how string theory seeks to go beyond them. He serves as an artful and attentive guide, as the reader explores the mysteries of quantum mechanics, black holes, strings, branes, supersymmetry, and extra dimensions in the pages of this book. -- Juan Maldacena, Institute for Advanced Study Steve Gubser has written an engaging and thought-provoking account of what was achieved in physics in the last century and how physicists are seeking to go farther in the ambitious framework known as string theory. This is one of the most thoughtful books on this much-discussed topic, and readers will find much to ponder. -- Edward Witten, Institute for Advanced Study This book offers a very nice short introduction to some of the basic ideas and implications of string theory. Gubser knows his subject. -- John H. Schwarz, coauthor of "Special Relativity: From Einstein to Strings"

Introduction 1 Chapter One: Energy 11 Chapter Two: Quantum Mechanics 19 Chapter Three: Gravity and Black Holes 34 Chapter Four: String Theory 49 Chapter Five: Branes 69 Chapter Six: String Dualities 99 Chapter Seven: Supersymmetry and the LHC 117 Chapter Eight: Heavy Ions and the Fifth Dimension 140 Epilogue 159 Index 163