The Heisenberg antiferromagnetic chain of spin 1 with the most general
single ion anisotropy is numerically analyzed. Chains of length up to
22 sites are studied by a Lanczos method and up to 32 sites with a qu
antum Monte Carlo. Gaps, magnetic excitations, dynamical properties an
d magnetic field behaviour are obtained. The recent neutron scattering
experiments on the quasi one-dimensional antiferromagnet NENP are ful
ly explained by our results.