Originally published in 1975, this anthology of essays focusses on the historical dimension of class inequality which has long concerned both sociologists and social philosophers but has often been neglected in literature.

1. Revolution and the Class Structure Aristotle 2. On Inequality and Corruption Niccolò Machiavelli 3. Class Struggles in Florence Niccolò Machiavelli 4. Class and Government Giovanni Botero 5. Inequality and Stability Jean Bodin 6. A Discourse on the Origin of Inequality Jean-Jacques Rousseau 7. Civil Government is for Defence of Rich Against Poor Adam Smith 8. Of the Origin of Ambition and of the Distinction of Ranks Adam Smith 9. The Origin of the Distinction of Ranks John Millar 10. Parasitic and Productive Classes Henri de Saint-Simon 11. Aristocracy and the Lower Classes in England Alexis de Tocqueville 12. Of Property and the Labouring Classes John Stuart Mill 13. Obeisances, Titles and Class Distinctions Herbert Spencer 14. The Ruling Classes Gaetano Mosca.

Stanislav Andreski was Professor of Sociology at the University of Reading, UK.