’What’s the point of sociology? Sociology has long been the most self-questioning of disciplines. Recently, such self-interrogation has involved discussion about what kinds of audiences sociology reaches and should be reaching. This book constitutes a vast leap forward in the public sociology debates, enriching them with historical depth, philosophical sophistication, and a truly global vision. An exceptionally attention-grabbing contribution.’ David Inglis, University of Exeter, UK ’Hess and Fleck continue their important effort to return the debate over public sociology to where it belongs - the sociology of knowledge. This new collection is filled with probing contributions of striking interest.’ Jeffrey Alexander, Yale University, USA ’The strength of the Fleck and Hess volume lies ... mainly in its critical intellectual engagement with the scholarly and conflict-ridden richness of sociological history itself ... an impressive contribution to the history of sociology and social science more generally’. International Sociology