Almost half of the 28 essays in this volume have not been published in English before, and many of the others are little-known. Some directly express Elias's dissatisfaction with the historical, present-centered trend of modern sociology. Others scintillatingly show how wide-ranging were Elias's own sociological interests. Topics include, among many others: the work of Theodor Adorno, sociology and psychiatry, psychosomatic illness, human emotions, communities in long-term perspective, the changing balance of power between the sexes, African art, football, and even pigeon racing. Edited by Richard Kilminster and Stephen Mennell.