The major objective of the fourth edition was to produce a readable, up-to-date, comprehensive textbook. The Fourth edition features include:

Descriptions and illustrations of the latest technical developments:

• Directives for eliminating obsolete material 
• Approximately 90 new illustrations
• Updated chapters.

Chapters have been altered materially to reflect the latest technology and the current state of the North American industry. The most significant changes occur in the areas of Wood and Chip Handling (Chapter 3), Mechanical Pulping (Chapter 5), Recycled Fiber (Chapter 14), Non-fibrous Additives (Chapter 15), and Surface Treatments (Chapter 18).