'In a commanding overview of the dynamic tensions of modernity, Gerard Delanty provides an incisive analysis of the dominant issues in contemporary social theory. He argues cogently that the dialetic between fragmentation and autonomy creates the central aspect of modernity. A superb study of the debate about modernity, it will become an essential text.' Brian S. Turner, University of Cambridge ... Read more 'Gerald Delanty offers a panoramic view and clear analysis of late twentieth-century social theory. Interwoven into the text is a golden thread of innovative and challenging pointers towards the future development of the social theory of modernity. This book will be recognised not only as one of the most comprehensive introductions to the subject matter available today, but also as one of the most accessible.' Piet Strydom, National University of Ireland, Cork 'In a lucid, wide ranging and rigorous analysis, Gerard Delanty argues that to understand the contemporary world we must recognise the limited relevance of the discourse of modernity and develop the radical discourses of creativity, reflexity and discursivity. This book offers new terms of debate and a powerful and provocative agenda for contemporary and modern thought.' Barry Smart, University of Portsmouth 'In making his case Delanty offers what is in effect a concise but masterful bibliographic essay on the literature of modernity from Tynnies to Touraine.' M. A. Olshan, Alfred University '[An] excellent guide to the state of the art in contemporary social theory ... provide[s] excellent critical accounts of the evolution and contemporary relevance of modern social theory ... leaves us with a superb structured vision of the way forward.' Sociological Research Online Show Less