The Max Weber Dictionary: Key Words and Central Concepts

by Richard Swedberg

Max Weber is one of the world’s most important social scientists, and one of the most notoriously difficult to understand. This dictionary will aid the reader in understanding Weber’s work. Every entry contains a basic definition, examples of and references to the word in Weber’s writing, and references to important secondary literature.

More than an elementary dictionary, however, this work makes a contribution to the general culture and legacy of Weber’s work. The dictionary also contains extended entries for broader concepts and topics throughout Weber’s work, including law, politics, and religion. Every entry in the dictionary delves into Weber scholarship and acts as a point of departure in discussion and research. As such, this book will be an invaluable resource to general readers, students, and scholars alike.

360 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Kimba Tichenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent reference work for English-speaking readers tackling the works of Max Weber in English or German. In addition to providing clear and concise explanations of Weber's central concepts (with German equivalents), it also includes: a brief bio of Weber and of influential persons from Weber's life, a descriptions of each of his major works along with a list of those available in English translation, a brief history of the reception of Weber's work in the United States and Germany, a history and discussion of controversies around translation, and an annotated bibliography of secondary works by topic for readers wishing to explore a particular topic in more depth. Although I have finished this book, I know that I will be referencing it regularly as I tackle in English and German Weber's opus.

[Felipe Feitosa Castro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente material de consulta após a leitura das principais obras de Weber.

Peca na organização por não conter um sumário devidamente paginado, e às vezes há maior preocupação em referenciar obras do que explicar de fato os conceitos.

As referências, no entanto, são excelentes, e o material é de altíssimo nível.