A survey is presented of papers published from 1964 through 1971 on the laser spark in gases. The authors consider the mechanisms whereby laser radiation breaks down a gas, the influence of the experimental conditions on the breakdown threshold, and the interaction of the spark plasma with the laser radiation. The parameters of the plasma during the time it is acted upon by the radiation and after the end of the laser pulse are determined. The possibilities of a number of technical applications of a laser spark in gases are discussed.