Book excerpt: "Written by two of the best-known scientists in the field, Paul C. Painter and Michael M. Coleman, this unique text helps students, as well as professionals in industry, understand the science, and appreciate the history, of polymers. Composed in a witty and accessible style, the book presents a comprehensive account of polymer chemistry and related engineering concepts, highly illustrated with worked problems and hundreds of clearly explained formulas. In contrast to other books, 'Essentials' adds historical information about polymer science and scientists and shows how laboratory discoveries led to the development of modern plastics."--DEStech Publications web-site.