A New Science: The Breakdown of Connections and the Birth of Sociology

What makes this book stand out is the way in which Mazlish situates sociology in the broader context of late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century social thought. This is the most interesting treatment I have read of how there came to be a felt need for sociology, of how a place was created in the intellectual firmament for this new science. -Craig Calhoun, University of North Carolina"At a time of the breakdown of sociology, or at least the virtual loss of the idea of historicity within the discipline, this examination of the birth of sociology can provide valuable insight into the current condition no less than the glorious antecedents of a major field of social research. . . . [A New Science] does a great deal to explain how the field of sociology comes to reject connections, and celebrate distinctions: distinctions of class, race, nationality, and the like. And [in] the extended discussions of Marx, Durkheim, Toennies (who is especially deserving and often ignored in the great chain of European sociological beings) and Weber, we get a word picture of some genuine substance and innovation." -Irving Louis Horowitz, History of European Ideas"Although numerous able interpreters have attempted syntheses of the sociological tradition, Mazlish is the first to search so boldly for its ultimate intentions. . . . Beginning students will find this a stimulating, wittily written introduction to the history of sociology." -Harry Liebersohn, American Historical Review"An accessible, fascinating, erudite, and provocative tour de force with a memorable, even gripping, conclusion. It is a must for both college and general libraries." -Choice