Two-dimensional topological strings revisited

The topological string of the type A with a two-dimensional target space is studied, an explicit formula for the string partition function is found and the target space field theory reproducing this partition function is proposed. This field theory has an infinite set of additional deformations overlooked by the standard definition of the topological string. It can be in turn coupled to gravity, thereby realizing the "worldsheets for worldsheets" idea. We also exhibit the wave function nature of the string partition function and suggest a new relation to quantum integrable systems.