Ian Craib compellingly shows the value of studying classic thinkers such as Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel alongside the more popular contemporary questions. Providing an account of the key ideas of classical social theory, Dr Craib establishes their relevance today, their enduring significance, and their contribution to understanding contemporary problems. Written in a direct, personal style, Classical Social Theory's thematic structure helps the reader compare the theorists systematically, and the book-by-book approach pays close attention to each thinker's key texts, quoting the most important passages and analysing them in a clear, straightforward way. Other student-friendly features include: * biographical details and an elementary overview of the work of Marx, Weber, Durkheim, and Simmel * Dramatis Personae with brief details of the life and thought of other relevant thinkers * Glossary covering important terms and phrases used in the text Classical Social Theory is an indispensable guide to the key thinkers in Sociology for anyone new to the subject.

"Clear, readable, and intelligent." - J.J.R. Thomas, University of the West of England

"This is the book I've been waiting for. I'm very impressed with its style, clarity, and thoroughness. For the first time, I have a book I can recommend as a core text ... Excellent for students who fear theory and good jumping off point for the better ones." - Malcolm Williams, University of Plymouth

"Written in a clear, at times colloquial style, the book provides an essential guide not only to specific sociologists but to the development of sociology itself." - Aslib Book Guide, Vol 62, no 12

"This is a gem of a book. It is an accessible and authoritative treatment of classical theory, written in the definitive 'user-friendly' style. Craib's text is suitable both for undergraduates, and for those graduate students who have no prior training in classical sociological theory." - Dr Roger Sibeon, University of Liverpool