All chapters in this new edition have been carefully revised and updated to take account of recent developments in polymer science. The development of the text follows this broad sequence: preparation, characterization, physical and mechanical properties and structure-property relations. In particular there are new sections on ring opening metathesis polymerizations and group transfer polymerization techniques - both of which are relatively new and important methods. The section on gel permeation chromatography has been expanded, and dielectric spectroscopy has been included, because of its increased use. High-performance plastics have been included in line with their growing importance, and two new chapters cover liquid crystals and speciality polymers. This book should be of interest to undergraduate students of chemistry, polymer science, materials technology and engineering.