This innovative publication maps out the broad and interdisciplinary field of contemporary European social theory. It covers sociological theory, the wider theoretical traditions in the social sciences including cultural and political theory, anthropological theory, social philosophy and social thought in the broadest sense of the term.

The volume surveys the classical heritage, the major national traditions; the fate of social theory in a post-national and post-disciplinary era; identifies what is distinctive about European social theory. It is divided into five parts: disciplinary traditions, national traditions, major schools, key themes, and the reception of European social theory in American and Asia.

It is an indispensable book for students, teachers and researchers in sociology, cultural studies, politics, philosophy and human geography.