Capitalism and Modern Social Theory: An Analysis of the Writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber [Paperback]

Anthony Giddens (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521097851 | ISBN-13: 978-0521097857 | Publication Date: March 30, 1973

Giddens's analysis of the writings of Marx, Durkheim and Weber has become the classic text for any student seeking to understand the three thinkers who established the basic framework of contemporary sociology. The first three sections of the book, based on close textual examination of the original sources, contain separate treatments of each writer. The author demonstrates the internal coherence of their respective contributions to social theory. The concluding section discusses the principal ways in which Marx can be compared with the other two authors, and discusses misconceptions of some conventional views on the subject.

Product Details

• Paperback: 261 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (March 30, 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521097851
• ISBN-13: 978-0521097857
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,329 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars As good an analysis as there is... even 30 years later, June 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Capitalism and Modern Social Theory: An Analysis of the Writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber (Paperback)

I'm quite surprised this hasn't been reviewed yet; it's a wonderful book. Likely not for undergrads, Giddens is able to tie together in novel ways some of the key concepts that connect the writings of Marx, Weber and Durkheim. A good deal of the book summarizes the key writings of each author-- which is useful in itself-- and supports much of the summary material with compelling quotes and citations of both the author in question, as well as others who have done secondary analyses. Giddens also devotes a few chapters to analyzing the three authors in comparison, and spends a good deal of time teasing out differences between the three that were not, for me at least, apparent right away. In other words, a solid and original analysis. Not five stars because there was less on similarities of thought between the authors than I would have liked to have seen (and no explicit comparative analysis of Weber and Durkheim, only Marx vis-a-vis the other two), but this is probably due to the fact that Marx, Weber and Durkheim diverge in so many fundamental ways. Nevertheless, truly a must read for those who want to begin to get a grip on classical western social theory in a more sophisticated fashion than what most textbooks (which this is not) might have to offer. Get it, because if it's this old and still in print in the academic world, there's a reason for it...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, January 20, 2001

By 

mike cerneant (Aliso Viejo, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capitalism and Modern Social Theory: An Analysis of the Writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber (Paperback)

Well, to sort of disagree with the previous review, I feel that this book is great for Undergrads! I, myself had the opportunity to read this book in a social theory class and have since relied upon Giddens excellent analysis of these theorists! It really helped me grasp the detailed (and often times confusing) ideas and theories of the classical theorists. After reading the book, I was able to more fully understand the actual works of these individuals. I use this book as reference guide to refer back to what Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber said.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Sociology Theory Students, August 4, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Capitalism and Modern Social Theory: An Analysis of the Writings of Marx, Durkheim and Max Weber (Paperback)

Giddens outdid himself for sure! He definitely knew that me and my friends would use this book in our Sociology theory assignment as supplemental reading to aid out paper. Although I did not read this book from cover to cover, it found the Durkheim commentary very useful. Two of my friends also used the Weber and Marx sections, and thanked me so much for purchasing the book. Giddens gets straight to the point, explaning himself very clearly to the reader . . . which is often difficult in theory. The best way to use the book is to look up your subject of interest in the index while you have your primary source in front of you. Enjoy it and save it . . . it'll come in handy een after you're done with your theory class.