The proceedings of the 4th Gamma-Ray Bursts Symposium, includes papers on a broad range of topics in gamma-ray burst astronomy, written by recognized experts in the field. It is thus a timely summary of the current progress in gamma-ray bursts. Of particular interest are papers describing important new results on optical counterparts to bursts. There will also be an introductory review at a somewhat more general level, which will be helpful for researchers in other specialties.