Structure and evolution of the Magellanic Clouds

During the last decade-and-a-half, our knowledge of the Clouds of Magellan has been revolutionized by the new generation of 4-metre class telescopes in Chile and Australia; by the introduction of highly efficient panoramic detectors in optical studies, as well as by infrared measurements; new radio techniques; and by far ultraviolet and X-ray studies of the Clouds from spacecraft. This book reviews recent progress made in the study of Magellanic Clouds and covers topics such as stars and star formation, clusters and cluster formation, the interstellar medium, gaseous coronae and supernova remnants, radio surveys, discussions of the dynamics of these small galaxies in relation to each other and to our Milky Way, and the nature of the most massive single star ever suspected. (orig.)