A review of recent developments and state-of-the-art in research and understanding of damage and fatigue of ceramic matrix composites is presented. Both laminated as well as woven configurations are considered. The work on the effects of high temperature on fracture and fatigue of ceramic matrix composites is emphasized, because these materials are usually designed to operate in hostile environments. Based on a detailed discussion of the mechanisms of failure, the problems that have to be addressed for a successful implementation of ceramic matrix composites in design and practical operational structures are outlined. This review article includes 317 references.