developing new ¿ and, arguably, post-classical ¿ forms of sociology. The central assumption underlying most of these projects is the contention that a comprehensive analysis of the principal challenges faced by global society requires the construction of a sociology capable of accounting for the interconnectedness of social actors and social structures across time and space. This book provides a cutting-edge overview of crucial past, present, and possible future trends, debates, and challenges shaping the pursuit of sociological inquiry. ¿Simon Susen ¿ one of the most knowledgeable scholars in the contemporary social sciences ¿ examines the key challenges with which sociology is confronted today. This book is a must-read for professional sociologists as well as for those studying the subject.¿ ¿ Luc Boltanski, École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France ¿Simon Susen provides a balanced update on sociology¿s theoretical, methodological, and institutional resources as well as challenges in today¿s complicated local and global social worlds. Fortunately, he has innovative and practical recommendations for ensuring the cutting-edge relevance of sociological thinking. This book is an excellent choice for undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as for the general reader.¿ ¿ Sandra Harding, University of California, Los Angeles, USA ¿A comprehensive and judicious account of the intellectual and material state of sociology, based on omnivorous reading and incisive analysis. The writing is beautifully clear, and the book is a major contribution to the self- understanding of the discipline.¿ ¿ William Outhwaite, Newcastle University, UK