This book's individual entries introduce, explain and contextualise the key topics within classical social theory. Definitions, summaries and key words are developed throughout with careful cross-referencing allowing students to move effortlessly between core ideas and themes. Each entry provides: - clear definitions - lucid accounts of key issues - up-to-date suggestions for further reading - informative cross-referencing Relevant, focused and accessible this book will provide students with an indispensible guide to the central concepts of classical social theory.