Colossal magnetoresistance manganites

We review lattice, thermodynamic, transport, high frequency, and optical properties of $Re_{1-x}D_x\rm {MnO_3}$ manganites, where $Re$ is rare earth, $D$ is usually alkaline-earth element. The most famous effect observed in the manganites near Curie temperature is colossal magnetoresistance (CMR). We show that the temperature and magnetic field dependence of the magnetocaloric effect, resistivity, magnetoresistance, and thermopower near $T_{\rm C}$ depends on whether the magnetic transition is of first or second order. The possibility of application of the well-known Banergee criterion is discussed. Special attention is paid to various inhomogeneities characteristic of the manganites, including coexistence of different crystallographic phases, metallic inclusions in semiconductor matrix, and polarons.