Progress in the study of the photodegradation and photooxidation of cellulose and to some extent cellulose derivatives in the last decade is reviewed with those aspects in which there have been significant recent advances receiving most attention. Direct and sensitized photooxidation of cellulose is discussed and model system work is treated in a parallel fashion. Work on the photostabilization and destabilization of cellulose derivatives is also summarized. -- AATA