One of the main goals of investigations of shock-wave phenomena in condensed matter is to develop methods for predicting effects of explosions, high-velocity collisions, and other kinds of intense dynamic loading of materials and structures. Based on the results of international research conducted over the past 30 years, this book is addressed not only to experts in shock-wave physics, but also to interested representatives from adjacent fields of activity and to students who seek an introduction to the current issues. With that goal in mind, the book opens with a brief account of the theoretical background and a short description of experimental techniques. The authors then progress to a systematic treatment of special topics, some of which have not been fully addressed in the literature to date.