The present volume is the first compendium to assemble in a single text our present knowledge about the vast range of non-shock ignition mechanisms and responses, where initiation is not prompt, and involves a series of steps that may or may not lead to a steady detonation.

The 11 extensive chapters in this volume are:

- Context and Complexity of Non-Shock Initiation (B. W. Asay)

- Transport Phenomena for Non-Shock Initiation Processes (L. Perry)

- The Chemical Kinetics of Solid Thermal Explosions (B. F. Henson)

- Classical Theory of Thermal Criticality (L. G. Hill)

- Deflagration Phenomena in Energetic Materials (S. I. Jackson)

- Mechanical and Thermal Damage (G. R. Parker and P. J. Rae)

- Cook-off (B. W. Asay)

- The Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition (J. M. McAfee)

- Friction (P. M. Dickson)

- Impact and Shear Ignition by Non-Shock Mechanisms (J. E. Kennedy)

- Spark and Laser Ignition (J. E. Kennedy)

Each chapter is self-contained and can be read independently of the others, though, they are thematically interrelated. They offer a timely reference, for postgraduate students as well as professional scientists and engineers, by laying out the foundations and discussing the latest developments including yet unresolved challenging problems.