Book excerpt: A comprehensive discussion of the theory, practice and application of catalytically active transition metal species and their application in the production of specialist polymeric materials. The material is presented in a progressive manner, suitable for non-experts and those seeking an introduction to the field. The bibliographies supplied are complete and up to date, making the book an indispensable guide to the primary literature for the more theoretical background to the topics discussed. After a comprehensive discussion of initiating systems for speciality chemical synthesis the book goes on to deal with a wide range of topics in materials science, including: alkenamers, polyacetylenes, industrial applications and liquid rocket engine fuels.