The Companion to Major Social Theorists offers a broad-ranging survey of classical and contemporary social theory. In original essays especially commissioned for this volume, leading experts and practitioners examine the life and work of 25 major theorists, discussing the social and intellectual context of their writings and offering an analysis of the impact of their work over time.

Includes 25 original essays on major classical and contemporary social theorists
Contributions are especially commissioned for this volume, and are by leading experts and practitioners in the field
Covers the key figures who shaped classical social theory, such as Marx, Weber and Durkheim, as well as figures such as Martineau, DuBois, and Simmel
Dedicates coverage is given to contemporary social theorists, including Goffman, Elias, Foucault, Giddens, Bourdieu and Butler
Essays include biographical sketches, the social and intellectual context, and the impact of the theorist's work on social theory
Includes bibliographies of the theorist's most important works as well as key secondary works
Edited by a leading figure in social theory, this volume provides an outstanding one-volume reference source in social theory.