<div>"This is an immensely useful book for sociologists working in a wide range of sub-fields. It confirms Freidson's status among the leading exponents of the old Chicago tradition. This book is catholic in its reading, sophisticated in its arguments and cautious in its judgements."--Robert Dingwall, <i>Sociology</i> <br><br>"As an attempt to provide a complex, wide-ranging account this book should be essential reading for specialist students, and it should act as a stimulus for the extension of both empirical research and theory."--Alex Faulkner, <i>Sociological Review</i><br><br>"Freidson's book is a concise introduction to the professions, challenging specialists with its puncturing of theoretically induced misconceptions and offering general readers a clear but critical entr&eacute;e to the theoretical literature concerning this central aspect of modern society."--Andrew Abbott, <i>Science</i><br><br>"This is a stimulating and well-written book which opens up a new perspective on the professions as well as contributing to existing debates."--David Podmore, <i>Times Higher Education Supplement</i><br><br></div>