The subject polymers are novel homopolymers and copolymers. The homopolymers are characterized by relatively high T.sub.g of about 120.degree. C. relative to their T.sub.m of about 250.degree. C., whereby they can readily be fabricated into fibers, films and like structures from the melt, and retain strength above 100.degree. C. The copolymers have T.sub.g 's intermediate between those of the homopolymers of the constituent monomers, and can be fabricated as for the subject homopolymers.Novel processes of obtaining the monomer, p-(1,1-dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)benzoic acid, are disclosed.