The first rule for any textbook as to be is it readable? Yes, this is readable, and more to the point palatable. It is supposed to be an A-level textbook, however 1056 pages is a weighty tome, at a time when a lot of students are looking for short answers. It certainly functions at this level, the language is about right without patronising. You would be very foolish to rely upon this alone for an assignment as an undergraduate, but for essential background, the skeleton of a standard text answer, then this certainly has what it takes. More to the point it is a lot more up to date than the main competition written in 1997 by Anthony Giddens.
I would recommend this to anyone taking an A-level course primarily in sociology, and yes, also to new undergraduates to the subject. Those not new to the subject will probably already be aware of it. It is also very useful for background reading to current affairs, especially in the otherwise very dry domestic agenda. At the time of writing this, I would consider, the best book of its kind on the market.