Story of Sociology A First Companion to Social Theory

What is sociology? How did it develop? What are its key contributions as a discipline? These are the likely questions of any new student of the subject and it is these questions that are at the heart of The Story of Sociology.The book is a unique introduction to sociology. It takes the reader through the 'story' of sociology: looking at how it developed, introducing its key concerns and theories and assessing its relationship with other disciplines. The books both introduces the subject and inspires the reader to continue their study of the discpline.Written in an engaging and lucid style by one of the leading figures in social theory, the book is short and succinct yet detailed enough to challenge the reader. It is the ideal companion to any introductory sociology or social theory course.

Gregor McLennan is Chair of Sociology at Bristol University and Director of the University's Institute for Advanced Studies. Previously, he was Head of Department at Massey University. He is one of the world's foremost scholars in social theory and the author of the leading intoductory sociology textbook in New Zealand.

"Intertwining intellectual history with social and cultural transformation, McLennan has produced a brilliant synthetic essay of theoretical importance in its own right."—Jeffrey C. Alexander, Lillian Chavenson Saden Professor of Sociology, Yale University

"This is a superb short introduction to sociological theory."—John Holmwood, University of Nottingham, UK

"This is a fascinating version of the story so far, and an expansive vision of the road ahead."—Rob Stones, Professor of Sociology, University of  Essex, UK