Free Theory : De Gruyter : 9783110450538 : 3110450534 : 22 Jun 2020 : The series Texts and Monographs in Theoretical Physics collects advanced texts on selected topics from the broad and varied field of Theoretical Physics. The works in the series will enable the readers to get a deep understanding of current topics in Theoretical Physics, with a special emphasis on recent developments. They are aimed at advanced students and researchers in theoretical and mathematical physics, and can also serve as secondary reading for lectures and seminars at post-graduate levels. This monograph takes stock of the situation in higher spin gauge theories for the first time. Besides a thorough recapitulation of the field's history, it reviews the progress that has been made and offers a pedagogical introduction to the subject. Abstract approaches to the theory are offered to facilitate a conceptual rethinking of the main problems and to help see patterns hidden by heavy formalism.