Classical Sociological Theory

George Ritzer is the best-selling author of sociological theory books in the US, but he is definitely not America's answer to Anthony Giddens. Giddens came to sociology from philosophy, Ritzer from chemistry. The difference shows, especially in prose style. Giddens's books read as if dictated, Ritzer's as if PowerPointed. Ritzer's coverage includes often neglected figures such as DuBois, Veblen, Mannheim and early feminists. The book appears to have been seriously market-tested. It is well signposted and modularised, allowing easy use.

Who is it for? The ideal reader is a non-native English speaker with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Changes since last edition: A chapter on Alexis de Tocqueville.

Presentation: Simple sentences, boxed biographies, big bibliography.

Would you recommend it? At half price.