Starting in the middle of the 80s, there has been a growing and fruitful interaction between algebraic geometry and certain areas of theoretical high-energy physics, especially the various versions of string theory. Physical heuristics have provided inspiration for new mathematical definitions (such as that of Gromov-Witten invariants) leading in turn to the solution of problems in enumerative geometry. Conversely, the availability of mathematically rigorous definitions and theorems has benefited the physics research by providing the required evidence in fields where experimental testing seems problematic. The aim of this volume, a result of the CIME Summer School held in Cetraro, Italy, in 2005, is to cover part of the most recent and interesting findings in this subject.

This volume resulted from the conference A Celebration of Algebraic Geometry, which was held at Harvard University from August 25-28, 2011, in honour of Joe Harris' 60th birthday. Harris is famous around the world for his lively textbooks and enthusiastic teaching, as well as for his seminal research contributions. The articles are written in this spirit: clear, original, engaging, enlivened by examples, and accessible to young mathematicians. The articles in this volume focus on the moduli space of curves and more general varieties, commutative algebra, invariant theory, enumerative geometry both classical and modern, rationally connected and Fano varieties, Hodge theory and abelian varieties, and Calabi-Yau and hyperkahler manifolds. Taken together, they present a comprehensive view of the long frontier of current knowledge in algebraic geometry.