Very high-energy gamma-ray astronomy

We present a review of the current status of very high energy γ-ray astronomy. The development of the atmospheric Cherenkov imaging technique for ground-based γ-ray astronomy has led to a rapid growth in the number of observatories. The detection of TeV γ-rays from Active Galactic Nuclei was unexpected and is providing new insights into the emission mechanisms in the jets. Next generation telescopes are under construction and will increase dramatically the knowledge available at this extreme end of the cosmic electromagnetic spectrum. Subject headings: gamma rays: observations — galaxies: active — BL Lacertae objects: general — supernova remnants — pulsars: general — intergalactic medium