Customer Reviews

Classical Sociological Theory

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have benefited from reading various editions of Ritzer's text on classical sociological theory. He gives a good deal of attention to the social contexts in which authors work, and covers a broad range of theorists.

In some ways, however, the strengths of Ritzer's treatment of classical theorists are also its weaknesses. If one were looking for applications to contemporary circumstances, it is difficult to make the case for Comte and Spencer. For historical reasons they certainly belong in an introductory overview of the development of the discipline. However, even with the current antiquarian revival of interest in Spencer, Ritzer has written a very conventional theory textbook. A good one, yes, since his prose is clear, his accounts are informative, and he does not trivialize important issues, but quite conventional nonetheless.

For someone interested in efforts to synthesize differing perspectives and hoping to think about contemporary issues within a framework provided by classical theory, Ritzer's book is a bit off the mark. Nevertheless, it is well suited for beginning undergraduates and others making a first foray into sociological theory. It serves best those who are comfortable with list-like presentation of material that is more descriptive than evaluative, and who are not concerned with synthesis or application.

I knew before purchasing this Kindle Book that 4th edition physical copies can be purchased for under $5. I also know that this book covers a bunch of dead authors and thinkers, not exactly a rapidly changing field making each edition iterative at best; so i get it, I understand the inherent racket in making a new version every few years that students will be forced to buy at the university book store (vs a second volume covering additional subjects since the first edition). That said, I was willing to pay $70 in order to have a useful and highly portable reference volume. I expected a fully featured "Kindle Book" at this price. I am astounded by how little effort was put into the creation of this electronic version.

First and foremost, I can't read this "Kindle book" on a Kindle! Not even on my iPad, Which leaves me with my 7lbs laptop as the most portable option.

Second, even as a desktop/laptop only ebook it's a poor one at that. The pages don't reflow or resize, I can only zoom in and zoom out. Its nothing more than a high-priced pdf. And even then, there should at least be some of those nice pdf options such as clickable content in the table of contents to jump to corresponding sections or links in the index to their corresponding sections of the book. Dollars to doughnuts I bet someone at the publishing company clicked "Save As pdf" and sent it over to Amazon as the extent of the care and attention this content received as an electronic publication. It is clear that much more care, time, and attention was paid by the publishing company on how to saddle this book with onerous limitations.

I don't need an expensive and yet non-portable, featureless non-kindle kindle book, I'll just buy a physical copy of the 4th edition for $1.89 plus 3.99 for shipping.

it was better than what I assumed. I will continue to buy books from this dealer when I need.
strongly recommend it.

The book is in good condition and I was impressed with how quickly it came.

I ordered this book for one of my college classes. It is in great condition in fact it looks almost new. There are no markings in the book and the cover is not worn. The price was affordable and the shipping was fast.

This book was in excellent condition considering that it is used. I was very impressed with the rate of delivery.