This authoritative collection of essays examines Weber's contribution to the contemporary debate about modernity and postmodernity. Bryan Turner examines contemporary interpretations of Max Weber in terms of his relationship to Marx, Nietzsche and Simmel. He demonstrates the significance of Weber's comparative and historical sociology in understanding the complexity of secular industrial societies. Finally Turner explores the rationalization theme in Weber's sociology by examining scientific rationality, religious change, political metaphors and the discipline of the body.