Classical and Contemporary Sociological Theory: Text and Readings provides you with the best of both worlds--carefully-edited excerpts from the original works of sociologys key theorists accompanied by an analytical framework that discusses the lives, ideas, and historical circumstances of each theorist. This unique format enables you to examine, compare, and contrast each theorist's major themes and concepts. In the Fourth Editionof this bestseller, examples from contemporary life and a rich variety of updated pedagogical tools (tables, figures, photographs, discussion questions,) illuminate complex ideas.