Memories of the Future

In this memoir, Bell, professor emeritus of sociology at Yale University and a pioneer in futures studies, highlights the role of unforeseen circumstances in shaping major life events in his life and career. He describes his role in shaping the sociology department at Yale and reflects on developments in American higher education from the post-WWII period through the 1970s, a period that saw the rise of the use of scientific methods in sociology. Bell also describes his family of origin and education, his marriage, and living and working in the Caribbean, Europe, and Australia. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)