Derek Ward-Thompson is Deputy Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. An observer in the field of molecular clouds and protostars, Professor Ward-Thompson's research interests lie in observing the formation of stars and planets, particularly the very earliest stages of star formation. Anthony Whitworth is a Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. Professor Whitworth's main area of research lies in the theoretical modelling of the formation of stars and brown dwarfs.

'Star formation is one of the most active research fields in modern astronomy and is also the key to understanding problems as diverse as galaxy evolution and the origin of planets. This book, written by two highly regarded experts, first poses the questions that define the field of star formation and then gives a remarkably comprehensive yet concise survey of the underlying physics. The book provides both an overview suitable for those new to the field and also a convenient handbook for established researchers. It emphasizes both basic principles and established results and will surely remain a standard work for years to come.' David Williams, Emeritus Perren Professor of Astronomy, University College London

• 1. Introduction; 2. Probing star formation; 3. The ISM: the beginnings of star formation; 4. Molecular clouds: the sites of star formation; 5. Fragmentation and collapse: the road to star formation; 6. Young stars, proto-stars and accretion: building a typical star; 7. The formation of high-mass stars, and their surroundings; 8. By-products and consequences of star formation; Index.

Derek Ward-Thompson is Deputy Head of the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. An observer in the field of molecular clouds and protostars, Professor Ward-Thompson's research interests lie in observing the formation of stars and planets, particularly the very earliest stages of star formation. Anthony Whitworth is a Professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy at Cardiff University. Professor Whitworth's main area of research lies in the theoretical modelling of the formation of stars and brown dwarfs.

'Star formation is one of the most active research fields in modern astronomy and is also the key to understanding problems as diverse as galaxy evolution and the origin of planets. This book, written by two highly regarded experts, first poses the questions that define the field of star formation and then gives a remarkably comprehensive yet concise survey of the underlying physics. The book provides both an overview suitable for those new to the field and also a convenient handbook for established researchers. It emphasizes both basic principles and established results and will surely remain a standard work for years to come.' David Williams, Emeritus Perren Professor of Astronomy, University College London

• 1. Introduction; 2. Probing star formation; 3. The ISM: the beginnings of star formation; 4. Molecular clouds: the sites of star formation; 5. Fragmentation and collapse: the road to star formation; 6. Young stars, proto-stars and accretion: building a typical star; 7. The formation of high-mass stars, and their surroundings; 8. By-products and consequences of star formation; Index.