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http://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Social-Theory-George-Ritzer/dp/0761926119From BooklistMyriad areas of specialization pertinent to social theory are covered in this set, among them macrosociological and microbehaviorist theories, cultural theory, Marxist theory, feminist theory, and national traditions (e.g., American, British, French, and German social theory). Readers interested in better understanding key concepts, theorists, schools, or texts in these areas will not be disappointed. Qualified scholars from 14 countries provide 300-plus entries ranging from 400 to 6,000 words. Examples of entry headings include Annales school; Consumer culture; Globalization; Imperialism; Marx, Karl; Queer theory; Social Darwinism; and revolution. Entries conclude with a brief listing of further readings and a set of cross-references. A “Chronology of Social Theory,” a “Master Bibliography,” and an index conclude the set; the chronology and bibliography provide significant added value.Balanced coverage of historical and contemporary social theory, as well as of the areas of specialization pertinent to social theory, is one of the hallmarks of this set. Also notable is the consistently high quality of the scholarship and general accessibility of the entries. The set is, to date, without direct competition, and there is much to recommend it to advanced social-science students, including undergraduates with a more scholarly inclination or those with theoretical interests, as well as researchers and scholars.This carefully focused work will be a useful complement to standard sociology reference sources that provide broad coverage of the social sciences or social thought in general. It should prove a welcome addition to academic and large public library collections. Sarah WatsteinCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reservedReview”On the whole, this will be a useful resource for beginning researchers in the social sciences, or users requiring basic definitions or biographies. Recommended for large public and academic libraries.” — Ellen D. Gilbert LIBRARY JOURNAL 20050101 “Ritzer has assembled a wonderfully rich resource on social theory. Any subject encyclopedia’s aims are to be on point, authoritative, and intelligible, and to lead readers to further information; Ritzer’s meets those aims… Highly recommended.” — S.W. Nicholson CHOICE 20050301 This scholarly guide surveys the fundamental ideas of social theory and the contributions of social theorists from the Enlightenment to the present… this useful guide provides an excellent starting place for both student and scholar, and it is highly recommended for academic libraries. — John R.M. Lawrence Lawrence Looks at Books 20050501Price:   $425.00