Tracing the course of fifty years of research into fusion energy, this book describes the different courses this scientific pursuit has followed. Physical and technical issues are described in detail, and the development of the current theory is analyzed with regard to the engineering and political factors which have shaped the research. Black and white diagrams, drawings, and photographs support the narrative. A glossary defines scientific terms, abbreviations, and acronyms. Braams taught plasma physics at the University of Utrecht. Stott is affiliated with the Euratom-CEA Fusion Association.