Post-AGB Objects as a Phase of Stellar Evolution : Springer : 9780792371458 : 0792371453 : 31 Aug 2001 : The term proto-planetary nebulae (PPNe) in the context of the late stages of stellar evolution was created only slightly more than 20 years ago to express the belief that in the near future these objects will become planetary nebulae (PNe). The first proto-planetary nebulae (called also post-Asymptotic Giant Branch, or shortly post-AGB objects) AFGL 2688 and AFGL 618 were discovered in mid­ seventies in course of the Air Force Sky Survey. Investigation of this phase of stellar evolution developed very rapidly in 1980's after the IRAS mission when it became clear that proto-planetary nebulae emit a significant part of their energy in the mid-and far-infrared. Hundreds of new candidates have been proposed but the recognition of the real proto-planetary nebulae is not a simple task and needs a substantial effort to exclude cases that represent different evolutionary stages. High resolu