Luminescence is just as fascinating and luminescent materials (are) just as important as the number of books on these topics are rare. We have met many beginners in these fields who have asked for a book introducing them to luminescence and its applications, without knowing the appropriate answer. Some very useful books are completely out of date, like the first ones from the late I 940s by Kroger, Leverenz and Pringsheim. Also those edited by Goldberg (1966) and Riehl (1971) can no longer be recommended as up-to-date introductions. In the last decade a few books of excellent quality have appeared, but none of these can be considered as being a general introduction. Actually, we realize that it is very difficult to produce such a text in view of the multidisciplinary character of the field. Solid state physics, molecular spectroscopy, ligand field theory, inorganic chemistry, solid state and materi"als chemistry all have to be blended in the correct proportion.
