Abstract: Polymer compositions comprising poly(benzhydrolimide) chains ending with ethylenic unsaturated groups complying with the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar is a divalent aromatic radical and R a hydrogen atom or a monovalent hydrocarbon radical. They can be prepared by reacting, under imidation condition, at least one primary diamine with at least one benzydrol 3,3', 4,4'-tetracarboxylic acid, a bis (ortho-acid-ester) or a tetraester of such acid and with an anhydride, an acid-ester or a diester of dicarboxylic cycloaliphatic acid with ethylenic unsaturation. These compositions may be converted to cross-linked polymides by thermal polyemrization. They can be used in particular for manufacturing composite materials, adhesives, molded articles and protective coatings withstanding high temperatures.