Left-symmetric algebras, or pre-Lie algebras in geometry and physics
In this survey article we discuss the origin, theory and applications of left-symmetric algebras (LSAs in short) in geometry in physics. Recently Connes, Kreimer and Kontsevich have introduced LSAs in mathematical physics (QFT and renormalization theory), where the name pre-Lie algebras is used quite often. Already Cayley wrote about such algebras more than hundred years ago. Indeed, LSAs arise in many different areas of mathematics and physics. We attempt to give a survey of the fields where LSAs...