Book excerpt: "The Chemistry of Polymers is a concise, easy-to-read, inexpensive introduction to the subject and fulfils the need for a polymer text written from an applied angle. It covers the basics of polymer chemistry while emphasising the practical applications and is essential for those who wish to acquire a rapid overview of the field. This book covers the basics of polymer synthesis, characterisation, reaction kinetics and materials science, as well as important specialised topics such as polymer degradation, polymers and pollution, and a variety of technological developments. Now in its second edition, the book has been revised and expanded to reflect recent developments in the subject. There are, for example, extensive updates to the ""Special topics in polymer chemistry"" section, with an additional section on optically active polymers, expanded sections on ionic and co-ordination polymerisations, and copolymerisation, and additional examples of new environmental legislation are outlined wherever appropriate."