Sociology [Paperback]

′I′ve always found Giddens to be one of the more readable A–level authors and the new edition of Sociology builds on this basic strength of the previous edition ... The general layout is now more conceptual, with sub–headings and short paragraphs being extensively used throughout; summaries, "questions for further thought" and "Further Reading" material also appear at the end of each chapter ... Overall, as ever with Giddens, this is a textbook "about Sociology" ... in this respect, it′s a wide–ranging, sometimes esoteric, text that engages the reader throughout.′ Sociology Central

"This book has already become a standard reference among introductory books of sociology. Its great acceptance does not only arise from the fact that Giddens is an internationally recognized author, with a number of books in the area of general sociology and of more recent debates on globalization and modern society, but mainly refers to the reach and innovative format of the work." International Sociology

"Giddens writes like he talks. His working life has been spent talking to undergraduates, so he is able to communicate on their level without speaking down," The Times Higher

"Giddens has endeavoured to pitch his textbook at the ′cutting edge′ of sociology and he has succeeded." The Times Higher

"Giddens is fast becoming synonymous with UK sociology. He is one of the few living UK sociologists about whom other sociologist write books. It is remarkable that he remains very much a working sociologists while being director of the London School of Economics, and he is doing more than just keeping in touch. He is one of our few genuine public intellectuals. His reputation is as a theorist, but he also writes for students. In fact, students now can do sociology without straying far beyond him." The Times Higher

This edition incorporates many new materials. All the empirical data are the latest available. In its original edition, the book was the first text to incorporate a treatment of cutting–edge areas of the subject, such as the impact of globalization. The new edition is equally innovative: it is the first textbook in sociology fully to come to terms with the impact of the internet and the new economy. An analysis of these developments is fed into many of the chapters.

The fourth edition also includes a diversity of new chapters, sections and topics. There are new chapters, for example, on poverty and social exclusion and on ecological problems. As with previous editions, the book maintains a strongly comparative orientation, with materials drawn from a variety of different societies and cultures across the world. Even more emphasis has been given to sociological theory than in previous editions. The chapters specifically devoted to theory discuss classical figures but include treatment of recent authors such as Ulrich Beck, Manuel Castells as well as Anthony Giddens′s own contribution to sociological theory.

For the first time, the book will be accompanied by a companion website, which will provide online support for users of Sociology – both lecturers and students. From the site, lecturers will be able to download an instructor′s manual and a variety of invaluable teaching aids, including powerpoint slides featuring maps, graphs and figures from the text and sets of sample essay questions and multiple choice questions for lecturer customization. Students will find chapter–by–chapter web links to important internet resources, on–line quizzes and competitions and a whole range of other learning facilities.

As a result, Sociology is a state–of–the–art introduction to the subject. Written by one of the world′s leading sociologists, the book combines innovation and accessibility in a way rivalled by no other text.

Please visit the accompanying website at: http://www.polity.co.uk/giddens