The author has observed as a researcher and as a participant many of the phenomena about which he writes. He has witnessed disaster; he has been on the picket line; he has observed street action and riots; he has been at the barricades. These experiences, combined with his academic knowledge, makes this book a provocative study of collective behavior. His flair for narrative makes for a book that is lively and accessible; his attention to scholarship and research gives readers an excellent introduction to the major ideas and methods of the field. Most importantly, the author offers a comprehensive and critical look at the important topics in collective behavior.
This book was alright. It was a sufficient introduction to the idea of collective behavior versus collective action, but it is a bit dated and can sometimes be dry. I like some of the real life situations that were described, but sometimes things dragged on for longer than they needed to in the chapters.