Statistical models of an electron solvated in a classical liquid are review
ed. The analogy between the behaviour of a quantum particle and a polymer c
hain results in that statistical physics methods can be applied to the solv
ated electron problem. We have derived basic relations for thermodynamic an
d structural characteristics of the solvated electron. The free energy of t
he solvated electron and the effective electron-solvent potential as well a
s the electron-solvent correlation function are studied in detail. The calc
ulated results are compared with experimental data and quantum molecular dy
namic simulation for simple, polar, and coulombic liquids. We also outline
many-particle quantum effects, such as electron-electron interactions and d
ielectron (bipolaron) formation. Potentials and restrictions of the statist
ical method are also discussed.