How can we test if a supermassive black hole lies at the heart of every active galactic nucleus? What are LINERS, BL Lacs, N galaxies, broad-line radio galaxies and radio-quiet quasars and how do they compare? This timely textbook answers these questions in a clear, comprehensive and self-contained introduction to active galactic nuclei - for graduate students in astronomy and physics. The study of AGN is one of the most dynamic areas of contemporary astronomy, involving one fifth of all research astronomers. This textbook provides a systematic review of the observed properties of AGN across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, examines the underlying physics, and shows how the brightest AGN, quasars, can be used to probe the farthest reaches of the Universe. This book serves as both an entry point to the research literature and as a valuable reference for researchers in the field.

‘… Bradley Peterson’s An Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei takes us to the strange world of supermassive black holes and the surounding accretion discs … The clarity and pace of his descriptions of these fascinating objects will inspire students.’

David Hughes Source: New Scientist

‘This is a very reasonably priced textbook for astrophysics students interested in AGNs.’

Source: Irish Astronomical Journal

‘Brad Peterson is a well known and prolific research scientist working on AGN … he has written an excellent introductory text for students and fellow researchers alike … This is an excellent textbook. Well written, well produced, and, in paperback … reasonably priced. Highly recommended for undergraduates and research students, and for those who want to know what all that telescope time is being used for.’

Paul O’Brien Source: The Observatory