Electrooptic effects provide the basis for much liquid crystal display technology. This book, by two of the leaders in liquid-crystal research in Russia, presents a complete and accessible treatment of virtually all known phenomena occurring in liquid crystals under the influence of electric flelds. Topics covered include: basic properties of the liquid crystalline state and liquid crystal materials; electrical and optical properties of liquid crystalline materials; surface phenomena; electrooptic effects due to uniform or modulated distortions of nematic liquid crystals; electrooptic properties of cholesteric and nonferroelectric liquid crystals; and ferroelectric liquid crystals. Main emphasis is given to explaining the qualitative aspects of the phenomena and to portraying their physical basis. The use of liquid crystals in active matrix and other displays, data-processing devices, nondestructive testing, and other applications is also discussed.