This book offers a comprehensive appraisal of the work of Anthony Giddens, who is known worldwide as one of the leading figures in social theory and the social sciences. During the last decade Giddens has published a series of substantial volumes which have defined a distinctive and original theoretical approach. The twin focal points of his approach are the 'theory of structuration' and the analysis of 'modernity'. Giddens's writings on these and related themes are widely recognized as among the most important contributions to theoretical debate in the social sciences. Social Theory of Modern Societies is the first volume to provide a systematic and critical assessment of Giddens's contributions. The volume includes eleven critical essays - all of which were specially commissioned for this volume - by authors who are well known in their own fields: Zygmunt Bauman, Richard J. Bernstein, Derek Gregory, Nicky Gregson, David Held, Bob Jessop, Linda Murgatroyd, Peter Saunders, Martin Shaw, John B. Thompson and Erik Olin Wright. In a long concluding chapter, Anthony Giddens responds to the criticisms raised by these and other authors, clarifying and elaborating his current views. The result is a unique and engaging book which gives both a critical evaluation of Giddens's work and a guide to some of the theoretical issues which are at the forefront of the social sciences today. It will be of interest to students and academics in sociology, politics and geography, and to students in the social sciences and humanities generally.

A unique and engaging volume which is both a critical evaluation of Giddens' work and a guide to some of the theoretical issues which are at the forefront of the social sciences today.
Reviews
"The level of scholarship by Giddens as well as his critics is superb. The select bibliography is conveniently divided into works by Giddens and works on Giddens. The index is far more comprehensive than one would expect, and is genuinely helpful." S. G. Mestrovic, Texas A & M University, in Choice
"Social Theory of Modern Societies: Anthony Giddens and his Critics performs a balanced act of drawing to our attention the furthest horizons of this ambitious project, as well as pointing to some well-aimed salvoes which have pierced that far-reaching endeavour." Henri Lustiger-Thaler, Canadian Review of Sociology
"Social Theory of Modern Societies: Anthony Giddens and his Critics performs a balanced act of drawing to our attention the furthest horizons of this ambitious project, as well as pointing to some well-aimed slavoes which have peirced that far-reaching endeavour." Henri Lustiger-thaler, Comptes Rendus



Book Information
ISBN 9780521278553
Author David Held
Format Paperback
Page Count 320
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 470g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 18mm