Earlier scholars frequently misunderstood Simmels writings and this misunderstanding is revealed by their claims that his work is both overly formalistic and lacks systematic thinking. This book rectifies many of these types of mistakes and the authors argue that Simmels writings clearly deserve to be taken far more seriously than they have been in the past.
Christopher Adair-Toteff, University of South Florida, Theological Studies, 2018, Vol. 79(1) 224236 The Anthem Companions to Sociology offers wide ranging and masterly overviews of the works of major sociologists. The volumes in the series provide authoritative and critical appraisals of key figures in modern social thought. These books, written and edited by leading figures, are essential additional reading on the history of sociology. Gerard Delanty, Professor of Sociology, University of Sussex, Brighton This ambitious series provides an intellectually thoughtful introduction to the featured social theorists and offers a comprehensive assessment of their legacy. Each edited collection synthesizes the many dimensions of the respective theorists contributions and sympathetically ponders the various nuances in and the broader societal context for their body of work. The series will be appreciated by seasoned scholars and students alike. Michele Dillon, Professor of Sociology and Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, University of New Hampshire The orchestration and emergence of the Anthem Companions to Sociology represent a formidable and invaluable achievement. Each companion explores the scope, ingenuity, and conceptual subtleties of the works of a theorist indispensable to the sociological project. The editors and contributors for each volume are the very best in their fields, and they guide us towards the richest, most creative seams in the writings of their thinker. The results, strikingly consistent from one volume to the next, brush away the years, reanimate what might have been lost, and bring numerous rays of illumination to the most pressing challenges of the present. Rob Stones, Professor of Sociology, Western Sydney University, Australia The Anthem Companions, those that have appeared already and those that are to come, will give every sociologist a handy and authoritative guide to all the giants of their discipline. Stephen Mennell, Professor Emeritus, University College Dublin Each volume of the Anthem Companions to Sociology examines comprehensively not only a theorists distinct approach and unique contributions, but also situates each in reference to the major parameters of mainstream theoretical schools and traditions. This remarkable Series in addition throws into high relief the singular features of modern societies. It promises to set the standard for discussions of Sociologys long-term development and belongs on the shelves of every social scientist. Stephen Kalberg, Professor of Sociology Emeritus, Boston University This valuable series covers both familiar figures in the history of sociology (such as Max Weber and, prospectively, Marx and Durkheim) and less often treated ones such as Arendt and Troeltsch who are also highly relevant to sociology, broadly conceived. In these books, leading scholars explore important but often neglected aspects of their subjects work. William Outhwaite, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, Newcastle University, UK
