This book is a hybrid of text and readings, providing both original, major writings of sociology's key classical theorists and a theoretical and historical framework, written by Edles/Applerouth, with which to better understand the readings. This is a major difference from the traditiional reader which can leave students unmotivated when readings are thrown at them one after another with no interpretive guidance or analytical framework.

Features/Benefits:

- Text plus readings in a "hybrid form". The text will provides the interpretive and analytical guidance necessary to interpret the readings. It includes a 30 page introduction (Ch.1) , 8 - 14 page introductions in each chapter, 1 - 2 page article introductions, and a 10 -15 page conclusion at the end of the book.

- 'Theoretical Orientation Diagrams' and 'Core Concepts Diagrams' provide students a meanse to fit the theorist under study into the broader universe of social theory.

- 'Significant Others' boxes provide information and biographies on theorists who may have followed and derived much of their own perspective from the major theorists featured in each chapter.

- Discussion questions at the ends of chapters.

New to this Edition:

- At least 7 new 'Significant Others' boxes.

- Each chapter updated with new examples.

- New readings added to Weber, Marx, and Durkheim chapters.

- New chronological order for readings where possible (where not possible - i.e. it does not fit the logical thematic to do so there will be an explanation in the introduction as to why the readings are ordered the way they are).