Author Description

This book provides a comprehensive examination of classical sociological theory. Each chapter focuses on one theorist and their ideas are organized into a social and historical perspective. Readers will enjoy the background information on each theorist covered in the book. These include such interesting highlights as Comte's days in military school, the death of Durkheim's son in World War I, Spencer's inability to commit to marriage, and Hegel's illegitimate son. Taking a critical and reflexive approach, the book also discusses how classical theory affects sociology today. For anyone interested in sociological theory, social philosophy, or the history of ideas.