This book gives an introduction to main ideas used in the physics of ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The links between basic theoretical concepts (discussed gradually from the elementary to more advanced level) and the results of experiments are outlined, so that experimentalists may learn more about the foundations of the models used by them to fit and interpret the data, while theoreticians may learn more about how different theoretical ideas are used in practical applications. The main task of the book is to collect the available information and establish a uniform picture of ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The properties of hot and dense matter implied by this picture are discussed comprehensively. In particular, the issues concerning the formation of the quark-gluon plasma in present and future heavy-ion experiments are addressed. The book by Florkowski gives an excellent introduction to and an in-depth review of the standard theoretical framework used to interpret the heavy-ion data. It provides a clear, logical, and unified description of statistical, hydrodynamical as well as kinetic models. Moreover, there are various exercises in each chapter for use as a textbook in a graduate course. This book serves as a very useful reference for students and researchers. --Marek Gazdzicki, Voice of Asia It gives an excellent introduction to and an in-depth review of the standard theoretical framework that is used to interpret the heavy-ion data. It provides a clear, logical and unified description of statistical, hydrodynamical and kinetic models ... there are various exercises in each chapter for use as a textbook in a graduate course. All in all, this book is highly recommendable both for heavy-ion and non-heavy-ion physicists. --CERN Courier This book gives an introduction to main ideas used in the physics of ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The links between basic theoretical concepts (discussed gradually from the elementary to more advanced level) and the results of experiments are outlined, so that experimentalists may learn more about the foundations of the models used by them to fit and interpret the data, while theoreticians may learn more about how different theoretical ideas are used in practical applications. The main task of the book is to collect the available information and establish a uniform picture of ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions. The properties of hot and dense matter implied by this picture are discussed comprehensively. In particular, the issues concerning the formation of the quarkgluon plasma in present and future heavy-ion experiments are addressed.