Because of the many important new developments in other branches of science, some scientists fail to recognize that the volume of polyolefins produced annually is greater than that of all metals. Hence, the American Chemical Society s"ponsored symposia on the History of Polyolefins at its national meeting at Miami Beach in the Spring of 1985 and a Macromolecular Secretariat on Advances in Polyolefins at its national meeting in Chicago in the fall of that year. The books on the proceedings of these landmark symposia and another book entitled "The Chain Straighteners" by Dr. F. M. McMillan will provide the scientist with background information which is essential for re­ searchers in this important phase of polymer science. The presentations at these international symposia and the publica­ tions of the reports presented, would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of our assistant editors and publisher. The list of contributors to ADVANCES IN POLYOLEFINS includes most of the leaders in this field, such as Dr. Mark, Mandelkern, Bruzzone, Hsieh, Kaneda, Chien, Tait, Karol, Kaminisky, Scott, Cook, Mirabella, Samuels, Kanamoto and Vigo. These reports covered many phases of polyolefin science and technol­ ogy, ranging from elastomers, single crystals, film and fibers to char­ acterizations by modern instrumentation and many new innovations in catalysis which have brought about a revolution in polyolefin production.