The physics of gamma ray bursts Gamma ray bursts (GRBs) are the most luminous explosions in the universe which within seconds release energy comparable to what the Sun releases in its entire lifetime. The field of GRBs has developed rapidly and matured over the past decades. Written by a leading researcher this text presents a thorough treatment of every aspect of the physics of GRBs. It starts with an overview of the field and an introduction to GRB phenomenology Introduction GRP phenomenology Relativity Relativistic shocks Leptonic processes Hadronic processes Basic theoretical framework Afterglow physics Prompt emission physics Progenitor Central engine Non electromagnetic signals Cosmological context Other topics