Book excerpt: Many excellent volumes have been written on the chemistry of cellulose and its derivatives. Judging by the number of conferences which have been assembled to deal with the topic, cellulose and its derivatives continue to arouse great scientific interest. Matching this interest has been the development in copolymer science and technology. In both instances the driving force has been the search for products having useful, new or interesting properties. It appeared inevitable that these two concepts would be brought together at some time in the research and development of cellulosic copolymers. That time has arrived. In assembling this text our aim was to present an informative account of the chemistry and technology of cellulosic copolymers. As such, we intended that the contents be of interest to all those concerned with the production and use of cellulosic products whether in academic or industrial circles. Sections of the text should be of value in undergraduate and post-graduate teaching, provided the student is given guidance in following the text. The volume is divided into eight chapters, each dealing with factors which are relevant to an under standing of cellulosic copolymers. Each chapter carries its own bibliography and is reasonably self-contained.