Updated and revised, it focuses on the role of molecular conformation and configuration in determining the physical behavior of polymers. New features include the amorphous and crystalline states of polymers; macromolecular hypothesis and historical development of photophysics and fluorescence; thermodynamics of blending polymers and polymer/polymer phase diagrams; a discussion of rheology plus gelatinous materials; and a variety of contemporary topics emphasizing surface, interfacial and electrical behavior of polymers, nonlinear optics and high temperature substances. Each chapter includes several classroom demonstrations and problem sets.