Gamma-ray bursts are the brightest - and, until recently, among the least understood - cosmic events in the universe. This title offers an overview of gamma-ray bursts and the theoretical framework that physicists have developed to make sense of complex observations across the electromagnetic spectrum.

"This is a marvelous book. It contains the new results from the fast-developing science of gamma-ray-burst astronomy along with its fascinating history. I recommend it as a good introduction for nonexperts and a fun read for researchers in the field."--Neil Gehrels, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

"This book gives a balanced and up-to-date overview of the field of gamma-ray bursts, one that will be useful for astronomers, physicists, and other scientists. Until now, there have been no books that I know of that deal with this subject for a broader audience of scientists and educated lay people."--Ralph A.M.J. Wijers, University of Amsterdam

"This series of books (Princeton Frontiers of Physics) is aimed at 'students, scientists and scientifically minded general readers'. This particular book is on target, with reasonably clear explanations of most of the jargon, a useful glossary, a good index and a reference to a more advanced review for those who need it."---D. J. Miller, Contemporary Physics