Various homopolyamides and copolyamides bearing olefinic bonds and pendent cyano groups were prepared by reacting aromatic diamines with the acid chloride of 1,4-bis(2-cyano-2-carboxyvinyl)benzene. In addition, the latter reacted with aniline to afford a model diamide. The monomers were characterized by infra-red and H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as by elemental analyses. Characterization of polyamides was accomplished by infra-red spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, isothermal gravimetric analysis and inherent-viscosity measurements. The synthesized homopolyamides were soluble in polar aprotic solvents and certain strong inorganic and organic acids. Upon thermal curing, crosslinked polymers were obtained. The thermal stabilities of cured resins were correlated with the curing conditions and their composition. They were stable up to 391-407-degrees-C in N2 or air and afforded anaerobic char yield of 64-70% at 800-degrees-C.