The Jahn-Teller effect is one of the most fascinating phenomena in modern physics and chemistry, providing a general approach to understanding the properties of molecules and crystals and their origins. The effect inspired one of the most important recent scientific discoveries, the concept of high-temperature superconductivity. This comprehensive volume presents the background of the theory and its main applications in physics and chemistry, along with more recent achievements. Full descriptions are presented alongside thorough references to original material. The 2006 book contains over 200 figures to aid visual explanation and avoids bulky mathematical deductions and overly technical language. It is intended for graduate students and academic researchers working in solid state physics, quantum chemistry, crystallography, spectroscopy, and materials science.