Analyzing in detail the development of sociological theory from 1830 to 1930, this text covers the most important theorists of that period-Comte, Spencer, Marx, Weber, Simmel, Durkheim, Pareto, and Mead. The scholars and schools that influenced these theorists are also closely examined. Coverage includes the origin of the ideas of each theorist, his basic works and contributions, and the legacy of abstract models and principles that he has provided sociological theory..Written as a complementary volume to Turners well-respected book on contemporary theory, The Structure of Sociological Theory, this text provides readers with an in-depth examination of the major theorists who shaped the first hundred years of sociology.