Blackwell Companion To Major Social

"The Blackwell Companion to Major Social Theorists" is a survey of classical and contemporary social theory that focuses on the thinkers themselves. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 25 major theorists, discussing the social and intellectual context of their writings and offering an analysis of the impact of their work over time. Each author balances systematic treatment of a particular theorist with personal interpretations of the theorist's work.

By grouping the selected theorists into classical and contemporary sections, the book gives a sense not only of where social theory once was, but where it is heading. The canon is broadened with the inclusion of several social thinkers not ordinarily found in such a volume: classical theorists such as Martineau, Gilman, and DuBois; and contemporary theorists such as Elias, Baudrillard, Bell, and Butler. Each chapter includes bibliographies of the theorists' most important works, as well as of key secondary works. For the student, scholar, or practitioner, this Companion offers an indispensable resource and reference to the life and times of the thinkers who have tried to make sense of our social surroundings.

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The Companion to Major Social Theorists" offers a broad-ranging survey of classical and contemporary social theory. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 25 major theorists, discussing the social and intellectual context of their writings and offering an analysis of the impact of their work over time.
Includes 25 original essays on major classical and contemporary social theorists
Contributions are especially commissioned for this volume, and are by leading experts and practitioners in the field
Covers the key figures who shaped classical social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as figures such as Martineau, DuBois, and Simmel
Dedicates coverage is given to contemporary social theorists, including Goffman, Elias, Foucault, Giddens, Bourdieu and Butler
Essays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the theorist's work on social theory
Includes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary works
Edited by a leading figure in social theory, this volume provides an outstanding one-volume reference source in social theory.