This landmark collection takes stock of more than two centuries of intellectual work with importance for all of the social sciences, for sociology around the world, and for the self-understanding of British society. It is important as history, and important as a resource and orientation for the future. - Craig Calhoun, Director, London School of Economics, UK ... Read more This is a book of extraordinary depth and scholarship. It sets a new standard for thinking historically about sociology in Britain, and is destined to become a classic in its field - Nicholas Gane, Professor of Sociology, University of Warwick, UK Reflecting trends in its subject-matter the development of Sociology in the UK this multi-authored collection brings to bear the range and power of a team approach to provide both a wide range of attention and depth of treatment of manifold aspects of UK Sociology as a knowledge production system. Not only the academic work that has been produced across a range of crucial specialties in UK sociology is considered, but also how this has been affected changing crucial aspects of the UK cultural and societal context and disciplinary scholarly infrastructure. This adds up to a definitive & mature treatment. Charles Crothers, AUT University, New Zealand The history of sociology is an increasingly important branch of the field, presenting analyses in terms of long-running intellectual debates. This book, focusing on Britain but with broader relevance, makes a wonderful contribution. It deserves to be part of sociology teaching around the world. - Gary Wickham, Professor of Sociology, Murdoch University, Australia This interesting and very useful book investigates the empirical and theoretical origins of British sociology and explores the development of several popular subject areas over time. I highly recommended it for teachers and students alike. - Cherry Schrecker, Nancy Universite, France Show Less