The nature and general properties of TPEs are explained, and the classes of materials considered in turn include styrenic block copolymers, polyether-esters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyolefins and other miscellaneous systems. Developments in specific market sectors are also outlined. The review is supported by an extensive references and abstracts section, containing over 400 abstracts from the Polymer Library, which provide a great deal more information on these useful materials.