The Spring 1986 Program in Geometric Function Theory (GFT) at the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute (MSRI) brought together mathematicians interested in Teichmuller 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 participants. These volumes represent only a portion of the papers that will eventually result from ideas developed in the offices and corridors of MSRI's elegant home...