The Mathematical Theory of Cosmic Strings – M.R.Anderson

REVIEW

“Anderson provides a comprehensive summary and review of the mathematical theory of cosmic strings. The subject is not in a state of rapid change so the book is up to date and it is likely to remain so for some time. Although the book is technical and requires a strong mathematical background and an interest in differential geometry, it is well written and reads easily . . . I found the later sections particularly interesting, especially the discussion of the infinite straight string and the associated singularity structure . . . This is a valuable reference work and compendium of results.” — D R Matravers, Comtemporary Physics, 2003, 44/5
This book is a comprehensive survey of the current state of knowledge about the dynamics and gravitational properties of cosmic strings treated in the idealized classical approximation as line singularities described by the Nambu-Goto action. The author’s purpose is to provide a standard reference to all work that has been published since the mid-1970s and to link this work together in a single conceptual framework and a single notational formalism. A working knowledge of basic general relativity is assumed. The book will be essential reading for researchers and postgraduate students in mathematics, theoretical physics, and astronomy interested in cosmic strings.