This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current influence on contemporary sociological debate.

classical Sociological Theory

"This updated collection offers a careful and comprehensive overview and assessment of classical sociological theory from the precursors to the mid-twentieth century. It is a decisive guide to the history and development of social thought." Bryan S. Turner, Presidential Professor of Sociology CUNY

"With this new edition of Classical Sociological Theory Calhoun and his collaborators have produced the best theory reader there is." Philip Gorski, Yale University

Building on the success of the previous editions, this book presents an updated and comprehensive collection of substantial primary-source texts that represent a definitive guide to the roots of sociology. With new readings, an increased emphasis on the Enlightenment, a new section on de Tocqueville, and suggestions for further reading, this reader traces the evolution of social science from its undisciplined beginnings to its current guideposts and reference points in present-day sociological debate.

This reader explores the pioneering minds of Marx, Durkheim, and Weber, the works of early sociologists Mead, Simmel, Freud, and Du Bois and the major works and theoretical perspectives of the mid-twentieth century, including those of Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton. Balancing accessibility and intellectual seriousness,this third edition offers readers an authoritative and compact survey of the most

representative works of classical social theory.

This comprehensive collection of classical sociological theory is a definitive guide to the roots of sociology from its undisciplined beginnings to its current influence on contemporary sociological debate. * Explores influential works of Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Simmel, Freud, Du Bois, Adorno, Marcuse, Parsons, and Merton * Editorial introductions lend historical and intellectual perspective to the substantial readings * Includes a new section with new readings on the immediate "pre-history" of sociological theory, including the Enlightenment and de Tocqueville * Individual reading selections are updated throughout