Trained at UCLA and at NYU respectively, Laura Desfor Edles and Scott Appelrouth were frustrated by their inability to find a sociological theory text that could inspire enthusiasm in undergraduate students while providing them with analytical tools for understanding theory and exposing them to original writings from pivotal theorists. They developed this widely used text/reader to fill that need.

This affordable 'hybrid' text introduces students to original major writings from sociology's key classical theorists as well as from a variety of other voices, and also provides a helpful theoretical and historical framework, written by the editors, with which to understand those often intimidating readings. In addition to presenting a unique format, this book is one of the only theory texts to feature photos and diagrams, making it even more student friendly.

New to this edition:

• Chapter 1 has been is significantly revised, to better explain the intellectual, political, cultural, and economic origins of sociological theory. The authors have added new material on the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and the French Revolution.
• Dated examples have been removed and replaced by newer, more timely applications of classical theory to contemporary social life.
• The authors have developed 10 new conceptual diagrams to illustrate complex ideas.
• Many of introductions to readings have been revised to add new insights and historical context.
• All chapters have new discussion questions.