Review by Choice Review
An astounding intellectual achievement. In terms of breadth and depth of historical and ethnographic scholarship and in terms of theoretical scope and insight as well, this second of three planned volumes compares quite favorably with Max Weber's magnum opus, Economy and Society (2v., 1978). After setting forth a number of formal definitions of basic concepts, Runciman develops a powerfully argued theory of social selection, which he then tests in almost every historical and cultural context known to human record. This book will no doubt become a focal point of interest, discussion, and inquiry among social theorists for years to come. The prose is consistently lucid and most of the book is highly readable, despite the complexities inherent to its subject matter. This is due largely to Runciman's effective use of literary allusion and the equally effective inclusion of short, interesting, and occasionally humorous quotations. The work is fully indexed and referenced. Upper-division undergraduates and above.
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
