Book excerpt: Starting from a historical overview of particle accelerator development and an emphasis on the importance of high energy particles in fundamental research, Wille (physics, U. of Dortmund) surveys many aspects of accelerator physics also relevant to other disciplines and develops relevant formulas step-by-step. Suitable for a senior undergraduate text. The translator is in the physics department at the U. of Bristol. First published in Germany in 1996. c. Book News Inc.