This book addresses the challenges and methodologies of studying elite populations. The contributors, including author Rosanna Hertz, offer practical guidance and cautionary experiences for researchers seeking to access and understand elite settings across business, professional, and political spheres. The volume emphasizes qualitative approaches, detailing strategies for data collection, interview construction, and the researcher's own experience within these often-inaccessible worlds.

This volume is recognized for its practical approach to a challenging area of sociological research. It provides valuable insights for scholars navigating the complexities of studying elite groups, offering both methodological advice and real-world examples. The book is noted for its focus on qualitative techniques, making it a useful resource for researchers across various disciplines who aim to understand how to gain access and conduct research within closed or difficult-to-reach populations. Its coverage of diverse elite domains ensures a broad applicability for its readership.