The synthesis and characterization of a series of novel poly(aryl amide imide)s based on diphenyltrimellitic anhydride are described. The poly(aryl amide imide)s, having inherent viscosities of 0.39-1.43 dL/g in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone at 30 degrees C, were prepared by polymerization with aromatic diamines in N,N-dimethylacetamide and subsequent chemical imidization. All the polymers were amorphous, readily soluble in aprotic polar solvents such as DMAC, NMP, dimethylsulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, and m-cresol, and could be cast to form flexible and tough films. The glass transition temperatures were in the range of 284-366 degrees C, and the temperatures for 5% weight loss in nitrogen were above 468 degrees C.