'Steve Bruce's and Steven Yearley's The SAGE Dictionary of Sociology is undoubtedly the most accessible, readable and downright interesting - even amusing - dictionary of its type. In being all of those things - and more - the dictionary does not sacrifice on quality. There are many well-chosen entries and they are quite informative. A useful addition to any scholar's library while at the same time being an excellent resource for both graduate and undergraduate students' - George Ritzer, Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland 'This is a delightful and comprehensive dictionary. The authors write in an engaging and lively style that brings alive the ideas of sociology not only for existing practitioners, but also for a whole new generation of students' - Tim May, Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Urban and Regional Futures (SURF), University of Salford 'Prior to seeing the SAGE Dictionary of Sociology, I would have thought that a reference book that reads like a nonfiction bestseller was a conjurer's illusion. Miraculously, 'The Two Steves' (Bruce and Yearley) have pulled it off, and with a refreshing sense of 'brio'.
This compendium sets a new level of excellence. The authors have succeeded at one and the same time in covering the sociological landscape in a comprehensive and authoritative manner while writing with an insouciance, dry wit and critical edge . They present key concepts, ideas and personalities such that they are fully accessible to undergraduate students while being of practical use to more established scholars. Highly recommended' - John Hannigan, Professor of Sociology, University of Toronto With over 1000 entries on key concepts and theorists, The SAGE Dictionary of Sociology provides full coverage of the field, clarifying the technical use of apparently common words, explaining the fundamental concepts and introducing new and unfamiliar terms. This book provides: " authoritative, reliable definitions; " accessible 'digests' of key arguments; " contemporary, appealing illustrations of points; " readability. This is not just another dry guide to the discipline. Engagingly written with its audience firmly in mind, it will be the definitive and chosen companion to established textbooks and teaching materials in Sociology and the Social Sciences.