"This lucidly-written book provides within a single volume a comprehensive introduction to the corpus of sociological theory. It encompasses both classical and contemporary approaches, which are presented as relevant to understanding the present state of sociological theory. This will become an essential text for students." Larry Ray, University of Kent "This volume is a comprehensive guide to theory debates ... Read moretoday. It is composed of 30 original chapters offering succinct, accessible overviews of the key ideas of modern theory - from Marx, American pragmatism to current debates over national identity, postmodernism, and civil society, I can think of no better introduction to classical and contemporary theory." Steven Seidman, author of Contested Knowledge: Social Theory in a Postmodern Era "An interesting, thorough, and useful anthology of informed commentary that will enliven the study of social theory for novice as well as expert. Particularly innovative is the use of European scholars whose analyses of theory is too seldom taken into account within the anglophone world. Their interpretations will, I am sure, add a fruitful dimension to an otherwise foreshortened understanding of the canon." Alan Sica, Pennsylvania State University "This volume aspires to be a comprehensive and sophisticated introduction to classical and modern social theory...providing a range and depth of analysis." Raymond A. Morrow, University of Alberta Show Less