Here is the fullest general statement of Max Weber's sociological theory to appear in any of his writings. He intended this book to be an 'Introduction' to his ambitious comparative study of the sociological and institutional foundations of the modern economic and social order. (Indeed, it has appeared as Part I of his large unstranslated work, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft, which unfortunately remained incomplete at his death). In this volume he discusses the analytical methods of sociology, then applies these methodological conclusions to the broadest classification of types of social relationship and group. He uses materials drawn from many historical periods and from many societies to illustrate his often startling economic theories. None of Weber's other writings offers the reader such a grasp of his theories and none displays so clearly his erudition, the scope of his interest, and his analytical powers.