Bis(amide-1,3-diene) monomers were prepared from 1,4-[N,N’- bis(butadienyl-2-methyl)diamino]-2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene and several alkyl and aryl acid chlorides. The corresponding poly(amide imide)s were prepared by the Diels-Alder reaction involving these bis(amide-1,3-diene)s with bismaleimides. The polymers exhibited inherent viscosities of 0.21-0.81 dL/g and glass transition temperatures ranging from 202 to 269 degrees C. Moderate thermal stability was observed by dynamic thermogravimetric analysis, with 10% weight loss occurring between 318 and 350 degrees C in helium. The polymers were soluble in N,N-dimethylacetamide and chlorinated solvents. Creasable films were obtained by solution casting from chloroform. The chemistry and physical properties of the monomers and polymers are discussed.