The Spring 1986 Program in Geometric Function Theory (GFT) at the
Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) brought together mathe-
maticians interested in Teichmiiller theory, quasiconformal mappings,
Kleinian groups, univalent functions and value distribution. It included
a large and stimulating Workshop, preceded by a mini-conference on
String Theory attended by both mathematicians and physicists. These
activities produced interesting results and fruitful interactions among
the partici- pants. These volumes represent only a portion of the papers
that will even- tually result from ideas developed in the offices and
corridors of MSRI's elegant home. The Editors solicited contributions
from all participants in the Program- whether or not they gave a talk at
the Workshop. Papers were also submit- ted by mathematicians invited but
unable to attend. All manuscripts were refereed. The articles included
here cover a broad spectrum, representative of the activities during the
semester. We have made an attempt to group them by subject, for the
reader's convenience. The Editors take pleasure in thanking all
participants, authors and ref- erees for their work in producing these
volumes. We are also grateful to the Scientific Advisory Council of MSRI
for sup- porting the Program in GFT. Finally thanks are due to the
National Sci- ence Foundation and those Universities (including Cornell,
Michigan, Min- nesota, Rutgers Newark, SUNY Stony Brook) who gave
released time to faculty members to participate for extended periods in
this program.