Authored by the world-renowned sociologist, Dr. Irving Zeitlin, Classical Sociological Theory is an abridged version of the popular textbook, Ideology and the Development of Sociological Theory. Known for its comprehensive descriptions of classical sociological theorists and concepts from Enlightenment to the 20th century, this new, abridged edition features an updated introduction, extensive index, and 17 succinct chapters. Dr. Zeitlin provides concise and detailed explanations of essential philosophies; develops ideologies and theories within a historical context; and introduces readers to critical thinkers of our time, such as John Dewey, Karl Mannheim, Karl Marx, Montesquieu, Max Weber, and Mary Wollstonecraft. This is an ideal resource for undergraduate students of sociology, philosophy, social theory, and social psychology.