Well known chemical industrialist, Peter Spitz, presents an overview of the petrochemical industry from the perspective of his own experience. Covers the unusually rapid growth of the Petrochemical Industry from the 1920s to the 1970s, painting an interesting picture of interconnnected scientific, engineering and economic achievements. Starts with the German chemical industry in the early 1900s and follows its vast growth and great importance as a provider of a variety of products necessary in plastics, fibers, synthetic rubbers and more. Discusses problems relevant to current industry.