, edited by Stephen K. Sanderson, is the first anthology for undergraduate courses in sociology to offer a specifically comparative and historical focus. Sanderson has brought together 34 readings which focus on the most fundamental topics in modern macrosociology: * preindustrial and precapitalist economies * political systems * the rise of capitalism, industrialism, and socialism * race and ethnicity * economic development and underdevelopment * gender relations * stratification systems * educational systems The readings are drawn from the works of many of macrosociology's most prominent thinkers and represent an interdisciplinary array of viewpoints, combining sociology with anthropology, economics, and political science. Thought-provoking introductions to each section and each article guide the reader and ease instruction by identifying and explaining central issues, key concepts, and relationships among topics. This adds internal cohesiveness and structure to the readings.