A gas discharge image display is formed by disposing a plurality of fluorescent lamps 1 each comprising a glass bulb 2 within which a rare gas is sealed, one or more pairs of external electrodes 5a and 5b located on the outer wall of the glass bulb 2, and a fluorescent layer 3 formed on the inner wall of the container facing the external electrodes 5a and 5b. An alternating voltage pulse is applied between the paired external electrodes 5a and 5b by an X drive circuit 9 and a Y drive circuit 10 for discharge light emission, thereby displaying an image. The pressure and alternating voltage in the fluorescent lamp 1 are changed in response to the type of fluorescent material, thereby making near light emission and discharge characteristics of the discharge lamps which differ in electric characteristics.