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The immediate post-WWII decades witnessed scant interest in the history of sociology; European & other sociologists tended to be preoccupied with US empirical methods, & social scientists everywhere were most interested in gaining a scientific status for sociology. However, not the least of the important specific functions of the history of sociology is to strengthen the pursuit of scientific status. Other functions include its: (1) contribution toward the formation of group identity; (2) value in elucidating the theory of sociology; (3) function as a body of significant cumulative knowledge; (4) usefulness in evaluating past theories; & (5) provision of a record of the connections between sociology, modes of thought, & everyday life. Recent years show a revived interest in the history of sociology; however, studies that use a historical context cannot claim a general contemporary validity for conclusions formed. A sociological approach to the history of sociology is proposed for its value to both students & professionals. D. Dunseath.

In Liberalism after Communism distinguished Polish social scientist Jerzy Szacki discusses the spread of liberalism as the dominant political ideology of Eastern Europe since 1989 and analyses the widespread (but occasionally somewhat beleaguered) belief that the only way forward for the region is through a combination of liberal democracy and free market ideals. He defines liberalism in an East European context - in terms of its historical background, the lack of a liberal tradition in the region and its incompatibility with the communist state. He then goes on to raise the questions of individual autonomy, civil society, economic liberalism and the problems of democratic revolution in East European society, before looking at liberalism's future within the region. The Polish edition was awarded Menzione Speciale by the jury of the Premio Europeo Amalfi, 1994