In developing this new reader for introductory sociology courses, Peter Kivisto?s goal was to expose students to the best that sociologists have to offer. He achieved his objective in the following ways: (1) all of the contributors are respected scholars whose work is having a significant impact in their respective areas of expertise; (2) all of the articles included are sufficiently lengthy, in order to give students a clear picture of how sociologists develop their arguments, employ a variety of rhetorical strategies and conventions, and infuse their work with creative insight; and (3) the articles included collectively reflect the full range of concerns that preoccupy contemporary sociologists, revealing to students that sociology is, indeed, the most expansive and inclusive of the social sciences.