Beginning a course in sociology can be a daunting experience. Evan Willis's engaging "primer" smoothes the path for introductory students, guiding them through the complex ideas of Durkheim, Weber, Marx, and Mills. By reading about events on a national and international level that have shaped their own lives and the societies in which they live, students will learn in a meaningful way what it means to have a "sociological imagination." Willis explains the distinction between concepts like social and sociological, cultural and historical, micro and macro, and theory and method with a humor and clarity that will encourage students to delve deeper into the field.

The Sociological Quest has been a must-read for students since the publication of the first edition in 1993. This expanded and revised third edition, which features examples from current events on both a national and international level, will have a permanent place on the syllabus of any introductory course in sociology.