Book excerpt: In this text experts review experimental studies that directly reveal the relationship between the atomic structure and physical behavior of high-Tc superconductors. The thorough discussion centers on twins, twin boundaries, the vortex lattice, and magnetic and mechanical properties in connection with structural imperfections. Particular attention is paid to the role of the oxygen atom in the Y-Ba-Cu-O and La-Cu-O species. The experimental methods evaluated include electron and X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and M|ssbauer spectroscopy. This book makes extraordinarily valuable data obtained at the Institute of Solid State Physics at Chernogolovka accessible to the wider international community of researchers in superconductivity.