Rise of Historical Sociology - Dennis Smith

This book provides a much needed survey of one of the most important developments in contemporary sociology and history. The author traces the spectacular growth of historical sociology in the Anglo Saxon world together with lively criticism of key works in this intellectual field.
Smith locates a new `long wave' of historical sociology within a definite historical and political context. He also provides a reliable and informative guide to the most important authors who have contributed to the subject in recent times. He argues that the most constructive contribution by historical sociologists has been a detailed exploration of patterns of social transformation within capitalist democracies.