Attempting to counter the predominance of postmodern thinking in the field of sociology, three sociology scholars examine the intellectual lives of some of the most influential thinkers in the sociological tradition: Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. They include biographical and social background material, as well as detailed coverage of each thinker's intellectual development, contributions, and intellectual legacy. The conclusion discusses some of the more recent reinterpretations of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim in light of the concerns of contemporary social thought, including changes in the nature of modern societies and their influence on social thought, and the relation of the classic theories to contemporary postmodern concerns. First published in 1995, with numerous subsequent reprints. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)