<em>Capitalism and Classical Social Theory</em> provides a solid foundation for understanding contemporary debates on social theory. It provides in-depth coverage of the works of Marx,Durkheim, and Weber, and selectively extends that coverage by examining the important works of Georg Simmel, early feminist social writers, and W.E.B. Du Bois. The result is a manageable,but thorough, introduction to key classical theorists.</p><p>The second edition has been updated throughout and includes two new chapters: one on Weber and rationalization and one on W.E.B. Du Bois. A new concluding chapter links classicaltheory to current developments in capitalism during an age of austerity.