The Physics of Gamma-Ray Bursts

From the Foreword: 'The material in this book has been painstakingly researched and developed by Professor Zhang ... Starting with a comprehensive historical perspective, it goes on to delve extensively with all of the major aspects of the field up to the present date, with insightful discussions of the relevant physics involved in the various phenomenological aspects, including perspectives on the possible developments expected from future observations. It then goes on to place GRBs in the broader astrophysical context of stars, galaxies and the universe, and the possible implications for fundamental physics. This is the most complete, comprehensive, and up-to-date monograph on the physics of gamma-ray bursts, by one of the leading experts in the field, which will be an invaluable resource both for the advanced researchers and for those wishing to gain an overview of one of the most exciting topics in contemporary astrophysics.' Peter Meszaros, Pennsylvania State University 'This covers a lot of ground, including MHD complications and Fermi acceleration withon the shock system. For someone who is committed to working on GRBs at the professional reaserch level, this book will make an ideal reference for the field.' John Peacock, The Observatory 'I read Zhang's book with great interest, as I wanted an up-to-date review of the theories and the evidence for them. That is certainly what the book provides. It begins with clear reviews of GRB history and phenomenology. Then it reviews in considerable detail some generic (but highly non-trivial) high-energy astrophysics (relativity, relativistic shocks, leptonic and hadronic processes) ... In conclusion, I found it an educational read ...' Robert S. MacKay, Contemporary Physics