Theories in Dispute (Civilizations in Dispute: Historical Questions and Theoretical Traditions) by Arnason, Johann P. (2003). Leiden: Brill.

Abstract

Johann Arnasons book is not for the feint hearted. A wide-ranging background in history, historical sociology, cultural anthropology and, to a lesser extent, philosophy, is essential to amply understand his work. At the same time, though, his book serves as an overview and summation of thoughts and theories that have led us, generally, to a broader view of sociological and historical issues, and him, particularly, to an adherence to civilizations (in the plural) theory. His premise calls for a return to the shifting paradigm of civilizations theory that he says has re-emerged in sociological thought.