This volume provides a comprehensive treatment of central themes in the modern mathematical theory of shock waves. Authored by leading scientists, the work covers: * the uniqueness of weak solutions to hyperbolic systems of conservation laws in one space variable (Tai-Ping Liu) * the multidimensional stability problem for shock fronts (Guy M,tivier) * shock wave solutions of the Einstein-Euler equations of general relativity (Joel Smoller and Blake Temple) * fundamental properties of hyperbolic systems with relaxation (Wen-An Yong) * the multidimensional stability problem for planar viscous shock waves (Kevin Zumbrun) The five articles, each self-contained and interrelated, combine the rigor of mathematical analysis with careful attention to the physical origins and applications of the field. A timely reference text for professional researchers in shock wave theory, the book also provides a basis for graduate seminars and courses for students of mathematics, physics, and theoretical engineering.