Tönnies' prominence in the social science canon has faded in recent years; publication of this translation should rekindle interest. Tönnies' little known exploration of public opinion was innovative and informed by themes of great concern today-cultural performance, power, and diversity. In addition, it reveals an interesting critical dimension to Tönnies' sociology.

Craig Calhoun, Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University, USA

A key introduction to one of the founding fathers of the sociology of mass communication, [this book] is well translated, edited, and illuminated by critical commentary.

James Curran, Goldsmiths, University of London

Hanno Hardt and Slavko Splichal have performed a useful service for students of the history of social thought, modernization, communication, public opinion, and critical media studies by making this work available in English, contextually locating it and adding fuller bibliographic references. . . . [Tönnies is] a pleasure to read.

Gary T. Marx, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, From The Foreword

This book should be warmly welcomed by scholars with an interest in critical social theory and public opinion. The authors are probably the best experts on the vast literature concerning public opinion and related topics. The present book, which accompanies Tönnies' multilayered and inventive approach to public opinion with thoroughly informed and critical analyses, offeres remarkably rich and thought-provoking material. The authors should be especially credited for bringing it back to light and amidst contemporary concerns with public opinion and social theory in general.

Critical Sociology

An outstanding contribution to the development of the sociology of mass media, Ferdinand Tönnies' normative and critical theory of public opinion was a formative moment in the creation of communications as an object of inquiry. The translation of Kritik der öffentlichen Meinung is a major publishing event. Understanding Tönnies is an essential intellectual preparation for interpreting the modern media.

Bryan S. Turner, University of Cambridge