Cosmic gamma-ray bursts

All aspects of cosmic gamma-ray bursts are reviewed. First, instrumentation and experimental technique are briefly covered. Then the observable burst properties are described, and empirical classification schemes are offered. Searches for coinciding bursts at other frequencies are enumerated. The observed spatial distribution of the burst sources is given, as well as various theoretical interpretations. A section is devoted to the unusual gamma-ray burst of March 5, 1979; its features are compared to more typical events and analyzed for insights into burst origins. Theoretical models for gamma-ray bursts are considered in general, and then examined in more detail under the categories of extragalactic models, accretion onto compact objects, thermonuclear explosions, flare models, and exotic models.