Introduction Part I: Studying Life-Works 1. On Reflexive Historical Sociology 2. On the Conditions of Possibility of Understanding 3. Nietzsche, Weber and Foucault: The Keys 4. Nietzsche, Weber and Foucault: Their Problem. Introduction to Parts II and III Part II: Weber's Life-Work 5. Background and Early Years Up to 1897 6. Years of Crisis and Quest 1897-1910 7. New Focus and Recovery 1911-1920 Part III: Foucault's Life-Work 8. Background and Early Years Up to 1966 9. Years of Quest and Crisis 1966-1979. 10. New Focus and Recovery 1980-1984. Conclusion.

Arpad Szakolczai studied in Budapest, Hungary and has a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. From 1990 to 1998 he taught social and political theory at the European University Institute in Florence. He is now Professor of Sociology and Head of Department at University College, Cork.

Max Weber and Michael Foucault are among the most controversial and fascinating thinkers of our century. This book is the first to jointly analyse them in detail, and to make effective links between their lives and work; it coincides with a substantial resurgence of interest in their writings. The author's exciting interpretative approach reveals a new dimension in reading the work of Foucault and Weber; it will be invaluable to students and those researching in sociology and philosophy.