This book was assigned by my major graduate professor as an means of access to Marx, Durkheim and Weber. This professor is one I admire and respect profoundly, so I do not regard his suggestions (let alone assignments) lightly. However good this book is in terms of actual content, I must confess that it bores me thoroughly. I had difficulty staying awake as we read it chapter by chapter. I came away with little information since it all blurred and washed over me without positive effect. Only later, when I was forced to read small portions of the book did I actually derive useful information and a true analysis as promised in the title.

How much of this is the fault of the book and how much is my own intellectual failing and lack of interest? I certainly will own up to my share of the blame here. But surely Giddens could have done something to render his subject more appealing. This may very well be a good book, but I very much hope I never have to open it again. For what it is worth, many in the class did not like it as much as I did! ( )