Amazon.com description: Product Description: High-temperature superconductors are one of the most active areas of research in condensed matter physics. The authors here discuss the development of the science that has produced superconductors. Beginning with the first liquefaction of helium, the book explains the Meissner effect and then moves to the key work of Nobel prize-winners Bednorz and Muller. The last section outlines technological advances and suggests future directions, and it examines the impact of theoretical physics on superconductors. Rise of the Superconductors ends with a brief look at the struggle for technical superiority between the U.S. and Japan, and the influence Europe has had on the development of superconductors.