This new volume in the SAGE Social Thinkers series provides a concise introduction to the work, life, and influences of Georg Simmel. It closely examines the writings and ideas of Simmel that introduced a new way of looking at culture and society and helped establish sociology’s place among the academic fields. The book focuses on the key intellectual concerns of Simmel, including the process of individualization, religion, private and family life, cities, and modernization.  It is ideal for use as a self-contained volume or in conjunction with other sociological theory textbooks.