This is an excellent textbook on classical social theory, concentrating on the founding thinkers of sociology – Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel – and written in an accessible and engaging style. It has become a key text allowing students to assess the enduring significance of these writers in our epoch of major social change, and will be essential reading on classical social theory, sociological theory, and introduction to sociology courses.

Ian Craib , Reader in Sociology, University of Essex

is there anything to add to the vast amount of textbooks introducing classic thinkers to students in the social sciences? Craib's book answers this question; yes, there is...More importantly, Craib succeeds where many introductions to the classics fail...this book not only tells us about the classic thinkers. It brings their thoughts alive, and shows us why they matter, too./Talja Blokland/The European Legacy, Vol.5, No.2, 2000.