Mathematical Physics Book Recommendation 
Possible Duplicate:
Best books for mathematical background? 

I want to learn contemporary mathematical physics, so that, for example, I can read Witten's latest paper without checking other sources again and again to find some basic definitions and theorems. I know it need a long time and intensive efforts, but are there any good books related so that I can follow them in one or two years? I have learned physics theories that come before the quantum field theory, including general relativity. And I know differential geometry, category, etc.
 A: Start by reading Witten's early papers.  He wasn't able to expect his audience to know all the math already, so he often did a very nice job of explaining it.
For example,


*

*Supersymmetry Algebras That Include Topological Charges

*Search for a Realistic Kaluza-Klein Theory

*A Simple Proof of the Positive Energy Theorem

*Constraints on Supersymmetry Breaking

*Dynamical Breaking of Supersymmetry

*Global Aspects of Current Algebra

*Current Algebra, Baryons, and Quark Confinement

*Non-Abelian Bosonization in 2d 

*Strings on Orbifolds

*Supersymmetry & Morse Theory

*Baryons in the 1/N expansion

*Verlinde Algebra & the Cohomology of the Grassmannian

*Gravitational Anomalies 

*...

A: I have not read Witten's papers, but if you're willing to look at a senior undergrad, first year grad, text, I'd suggest Hassani's.  It is very broad in scope, and provides a good introduction to a number of areas of mathematical physics.
A: This is quite late. I found Mathematical Perspectives on Theoretical Physics: A Journey from Black Holes to Superstrings quite suitable for what you ask.
