Provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject, including: Rubber elasticity Viscoelasticity Anisotropic mechanical behaviour Yield and fracture Also discusses the molecular and structural interpretations of the mechanical behaviour of solid polymers, emphasising the physical approach. Following on from the highly successful Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers, 2nd edition, it introduces the subject at a less specialised level and comes complete with worked examples, mathematical appendices, extensive references and comprehensive index.