First Published in 1991, this book attempts to show the relevance of Durkheim's sociology to the debate on modernity and postmodernism. It does so by examining how Durkheim's ideas can be applied to current social issues. The author argues that there are striking parallels between the social context of the 1890s, when Durkheim began to publish in book form, and today.

The book will appeal to the readers of sociology, as well as the related disciplines of philosophy, psychology, cultural studies and history. It is also intended for anyone interested in the issues and questions that were being raised as humanity approached the end of the twentieth century and the end of the millennium.

1. Back to the Future 2. Defining Modernity and Postmodernism 3. Durkheim's Era: The Cult of Felling Versus the Cult of Reason 4. Simmel and Durkheim as the First Sociologists of Modernity 5. Durkheim's Stand on the Fin De Siècle 6. The German Roots of Durkheim's Sociology 7. Ethics Based on the Mind Versus the Heart, Rationality Versus Compassion 8. Medjugorje, The Virgin Mary, and Modernity 9. Postmodern Deregulation and Economic Anomie 10. Civilization and It's Discontents, Again 11. Conclusion: The coming Fin De Siècle and Postmodernism