This book provides an exhaustive account of the origin and dynamics of cosmic rays. Divided into three parts, it first gives an up-to-date summary of the observational data, then -- in the following theory section -- deals with the kinetic description of cosmic ray plasma. The underlying diffusion-convection transport equation, which governs the coupling between cosmic rays and the background plasma, is derived and analyzed in detail. In the third part, several applications of the solutions of the transport equation are presented and how key observations in cosmic ray physics can be accounted for is demonstrated. The applications include cosmic ray modulation, acceleration near shock waves and the galactic propagation of cosmic rays. While the book is primarily of interest to scientists working at the forefront of research, the very careful derivations and explanations make it suitable also as an introduction to the field of cosmic rays for graduate students.
From the reviews of the first edition: "This excellent book is the most complete development of cosmic ray astrophysics theory published. It is aimed at current researchers and commencing postgraduate students. ... One of the great benefits of this book is the explicit description of all the assumptions that are made and the limitations they imply on interpretations from the theory. This makes the book particularly valuable for postgraduate students and established researchers starting in the field." (M.L. Duldig, The Physicist, Vol.39 (3), 2002)