Imagine a world without rubber--neither tires for driving or flying nor bouncing balls for sports, neither seals for washing machines and dishwashers, nor medical gloves--no elastics. This unique book tells the fascinating story of four thousand years of rubber--from its significance in Mayan religious rituals and culture to its pivotal role in today's world. It is seen through the lives of the adventurers and scientists who promoted it, lusted after it and eventually tamed it into the ubiquitous, yet crucial material of our lives today. It also examines the lives of those who caused the...

Imagine a world without rubber--neither tires for driving or flying nor bouncing balls for sports, neither seals for washing machines and dishwashers, nor medical gloves--no elastics. This unique book tells the fascinating story of four thousand years of rubber--from its significance in Mayan religious rituals and culture to its pivotal role in today's world. It is seen through the lives of the adventurers and scientists who promoted it, lusted after it and eventually tamed it into the ubiquitous, yet crucial material of our lives today. It also examines the lives of those who caused the...