This book is part one of a 3-volume series on polymers from renewable resources. The entire set focuses on gathering contributions from the leading workers in specific areas of research pertaining to this field, such as agroproteins, modification of natural polymers, and environmentally benign synthesis and processing. Each book is an up-to-the-minute guide on a wide range of the studies in this emerging field from polysaccharides to polyesters, biostable polymers to the regulatory issues that are critical to the development of new commercial biodegradable products. ... a profound, thought-provoking and exciting book ... a major contribution to the literature on polymers. Each of the authors' depth of learning and research experience is awe inspiring, and this work deserves a prominent place wherever and whenever important components to environmentally benign synthesis and processing are discussed.