This book provides a survey of one of the most important developments in contemporary sociology and history. The author traces the spectacular growth of historical sociology in the Anglo-Saxon world together with criticism of key works in this intellectual field. Smith locates a new long wave of historical sociology within a definite historical and political context. He also provides an informative guide to the most important authors who have contributed to the subject in recent times. He argues that the most constructive contribution by historical sociologists has been a detailed exploration of patterns of social transformation within capitalist democracies.