World Scientific Publishing Company Physics of the Z and W Bosons, the

This book describes the memorable theoretical work that motivated the construction of the electron-positron accelerators at CERN and SLAC, and the monumental experimental effort that led to a verification of the main theoretical expectations of these projects. The aim is to provide a description of the theoretical work, as well as a synthesis of the experimental effort, makes interesting reading for both theorists and experimentalists. In particular, the experimental measurements, discussed in the second part of the book, are systematically related to the theoretical quantities discussed in the first. The topics still to be investigated, unsolved problems, and the possible solutions to be found at future giant accelerators conclude this fascinating text.