Daniel Bell is perhaps the most famous sociologist of his generation. He has been hailed as the prophet of the emergence of a new society, the postindustrial society, and as one of the leading conservative critics of contemporary culture.
In this invaluable introduction, Malcolm Waters presents Bell's arguments clearly and fairly, as well as noting the problems with his work. The three books that have made Bell famous, The End of Ideology, The Coming of Post-Capitalism are drawn upon, as well as his lesser known works on education and social forecasting. A thoroughly comprehensive account of a key, albeit highly controversial, contemporary sociological figure.

`Malcolm Water has produced a carefully balanced, well crafted, critical appreciation of Daniel Bell's work. The beauty of the text is that it enables the reader to appreciate the richness and potential of Bell's work as well as to recognise its limitations.' - Barry Smart, University of Auckland