Book excerpt: Catalyst Deactivation 1997 focused on 9 key topical areas: carbon deposition and coke formation, chemicals, environmental catalysis, modeling, petroleum processing, poisoning, syngas conversion, techniques, and thermal degradation. All of these areas were well represented at the meeting; moreover, several review articles were presented that provide perspectives on new research and development thrusts. The proceedings of the meeting are organized with six review and award articles at the front of the volume followed by topical articles a keynote, 5-6 oral, and 2-3 poster papers. A list of authors is provided at the end of the book. It should be emphasized that all of the papers were ranked and reviewed by members of the Scientific Committee.