Reminiscence on the Birth of String Theory

TL;DR

This paper reflects on the historical development of string theory from 1968 to 1974, focusing on personal experiences and key scientific milestones during its early era.

Contribution

It provides a personal historical account of the origins and early developments of string theory, highlighting the author's motivations and scientific concerns.

Findings

Insights into the environment of early string theory research

Discussion of loop amplitudes and closed strings development

Historical perspective on key scientific challenges

Abstract

These are my personal impressions of the environment in which string theory was born, and what the important developments affecting my work were during the hadronic string era, 1968-1974. I discuss my motivations and concerns at the time, particularly in my work on loop amplitudes and on closed strings.