We review optical observations and theoretical models of the non-magnetic
nova-like variables (UX UMa, VY Scl and SW Sex stars). A brief discussion of
the classification scheme is followed by a statistical overview of the observed
properties. The most important features of each of the sub-classes are then
reviewed, concluding with a summary of the theoretical models invoked to
understand these systems.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures; published in Cataclysmic Variables and Related
Objects, Proceedings of the 158th colloquium of the IAU held at Keele, edited
by A. Evans and Janet H. Wood, p.3 (1996
