Many significant fundamental concepts and practical applications have developed since the publication of the best-selling second edition of the Handbook of Conducting Polymers. Now divided into two books, the third edition continues to retain the excellent expertise of the editors and world-renowned contributors while providing superior coverage of recent advances in the chemistry, physics, and materials science of conjugated and conducting organic polymers. Conjugated Polymers: Theory, Synthesis, Properties, and Characterization, the first volume in the set, focuses on the theories, synthetic methods, and basic physical aspects needed to understand the behavior and performance of conjugated polymers. The book initially examines the theories behind p-conjugated materials and electron-lattice dynamics in organic systems. Subsequent chapters detail synthesis methods and electrical and physical properties of the full family of conducting polymers, including polyacetylenes, polyanilines, poly(arylene vinylenes), poly(arylene ethynylenes), and polyheterocycles. Featuring topics central to the science and technology of conducting polymers, this book offers easy access to up-to-date information and provides the basis for the second installment in the set.