Polyesters containing styrylpyridine segments were synthesized with the bisphenols 2,6-di[2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)vinyl]pyridine, 2-[2-(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)vinyl] -8-hydroxyquinoline, and 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)-8-hydroxyquinoline as starting materials. The polyesters were characterized by inherent viscosity measurements, Fourier transform infra-red, H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray, differential thermal analysis, thermomechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and isothermal gravimetric analysis. The polymers were amorphous or microcrystalline and were soluble in hot, polar, aprotic solvents containing 5 wt % LiCl. They showed T-g at 112-175 degrees C and T-m at 165-295 degrees C. After heat curing, the polyesters yielded resins which were stable up to 367-335 degrees C in N-2 and 347-329 degrees C in air and afforded anaerobic char yields of 72-64% at 800 degrees C.