Studies of stellar formation in galaxies have a profound impact on our understanding of the present and the early universe. The book describes complex physical processes involved in the creation of stars and during their young lives. It illustrates how these processes reveal themselves from radio wavelengths to high energy X-rays and gamma -rays, with special reference towards high energy signatures. Several sections devoted to key analysis techniques demonstrate how modern research in this field is pursued.

From the reviews:

"In ten chapters, Schulz (MIT) does an excellent job developing the story historically, explaining how stars are formed from gas and dust in interstellar nurseries located in molecular clouds. It has equations and derivations, and cites background reading (944 references). Included are 18 color plates seven pages of abbreviations, 8 pages of variables, constants and units, and a 16-page index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division (senior) undergraduates through professionals." (W. E. Howard, Choice, November, 2006)

Inhalt
About the Book.- Historical Background.- Studies of Interstellar Matter.- Molecular Clouds and Cores.- Concepts of Stellar Collapse.- Evolution of Young Stellar Objects.- Accretion Phenomena and Magnetic Activity in YSOs.- High-energy Signatures in YSOs.- Star-forming Regions.- Proto-solar Systems and the Sun.