Solution of the relativistic string problem

The quantum dynamics of the free Nambu-Nielson-Susskind string is known to be consistent only in s + 1 dimensional Minkowski space when s = 25 and the intercept α₀ = 1. Ad hoc modifications are required to allow s < 25. The source of this difficulty is pointed out and the system is solved covariantly and ghost free for any value of s > 1 without ad hoc modifications. The intercept value α₀ = 1 is excluded, but α₀ can be fitted to the experimental value. There are only transverse modes, and linearly rising Regge trajectories result as before.