About the Book -- Historical Background -- Studies of Interstellar Matter -- Molecular Clouds and Cores -- Concepts of Stellar Collapse -- Evolution of Young Stellar Objects -- Accretion Phenomena and Magnetic Activity in YSOs -- High-energy Signatures in YSOs -- Star-forming Regions -- Proto-solar Systems and the Sun.Studies of stellar formation in galaxies have a profound impact on our understanding of the present and the early universe. The book describes complex physical processes involved in the creation of stars and during their young lives. It illustrates how these processes reveal themselves from radio wavelengths to high energy X-rays and gamma -rays, with special reference towards high energy signatures. Several sections devoted to key analysis techniques demonstrate how modern research in this field is pursued.