Adventures of an Accidental Sociologist: How to Explain the World

This is a witty, insightful, and intelligent memoir from one of the most influential and important social thinkers of the 20th century. Peter Berger is arguably one of the best known living sociologists. Since the 1960s he has been writing on many aspects of the contemporary social scene, and several of his published works are considered classics. So it may be hard to believed Berger's description of himself as an 'accidental sociologist.' But it does, in fact accurately describe how he stumbled into sociology. In this witty, intellectually stimulating memoir, Berger explains not only how he became a social scientist but also the many adventures that his calling led to. It focuses on the main intellectual issues that motivated his work and the various people and situations Berger has encountered. Written with humour and insight, Berger's memoir conveys the excitement that a study of social life can bring.