Wiley-Interscience: New York, 2001. xl + 671 pp. Figs. and tables.
24 x 16 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-471-32921-5. $89.95.

While most introductory polymer texts present a balanced view of both the synthetic and physical aspects of the subject, space constraints limit the depth to which the physical chemistry and physical properties of polymers can be discussed. Sperling has filled this void since 1985, when the first edition of his Introduction to Physical Polymer Chemistry text was released, and continues to fill the void with this updated edition.

There have been significant developments in polymer science since the second edition was written in the early 1990s. The recent edition reflects these advances with the addition of two new chapters entitled "Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces" and "Multicomponent Polymeric Systems". The chapter on surfaces is especially timely and important owing to the dramatic increase in the accessibility of electron microscopy techniques over the past decade. Browsing through any recent issue of Macromolecules will attest to the increased importance of surface analysis in polymer research.

The structure of the text remains similar to that of previous editions in that it begins with a four-chapter introduction to polymer science and discussion of molecular weights and molecular weight distributions. The physical chemistry and properties of polymers are then discussed in chapters dealing with concentrated solutions and the amorphous, crystalline, and liquid-crystalline states. Chapters on the glass transition region, rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, and rheology and mechanical behavior round out the bulk of the text. There is a concluding chapter on modern topics in polymer science. The result is a comprehensive text that provides an excellent starting point for students and professionals to begin their study of the physical aspects of polymer science.

Although it is possible to use this text without previous exposure to the polymer field, I expect its largest market will be at the chemistry and chemical engineering graduate level. Readers fortunate enough to be located in institutions specializing in polymer science will be able to use this text after completion of a course in thermodynamics. This text will also be a valuable resource in materials science and applied physics curriculums where an understanding of fundamental intermolecular interactions is crucial.

Some of my favorite aspects of this text are the extensive referencing of primary literature and the inclusion of general reading suggestions at the end of each chapter. I was also delighted to see the inclusion of references to Web sites at the end of the first chapter. Although the number of URLs was limited to four (Chemical Abstracts, Case-Western Reserve, Penn State, and Southern Miss), this is understandable owing to the dynamic (i.e., unstable) nature of many sites. The long-term stability of the chosen URLs will provide users with excellent starting points to Web-based polymer resources for years to come.

My one concern with this book is the lack of answers to the end-of-chapter study problems. I firmly believe the inclusion, and working, of problems is important for the development of a thorough understanding of the material. However, the lack of inclusion of solutions in the text, or the availability of a solutions manual, limits the questions' pedagogical utility. Perhaps those adopting the text and assigning questions from the book would be willing to forward their solutions to Sperling for inclusion on his Lehigh University Web site.

In conclusion, the release of the third edition of Introduction to Physical Polymer Science is timely. This book should be available to students in every school where chemistry or chemical engineering is taught and will undoubtedly be widely adopted at the graduate level. It is accessible to novices and experts alike, and would be an important addition to the library of anyone dealing with polymeric materials.