First published in 1990, Capitalist Democracy on Trial explores the long transatlantic debate on capitalist democracy. It examines the conflicting verdicts of writers and politicians in the USA and Europe. The first section focuses on democracy and the rise of big business. It discusses the views of Tocqueville, Mill, Carnegie, Chamberlain, Bryce, Ostrogorski, Veblen and Hobson. The second section covers capitalism and the rise of 'big government'. The writers represented are Laski, Lasswell, Hayek, Schumpeter, Galbraith, Friedman, Miliband, Brittan, Piven, and Cloward. Using a historical and comparative framework Dennis Smith argues that the transatlantic debate on capitalist democracy has passed through three phases. By World War I the early nineteenth century ideology of 'participation' had been replaced by a conception of capitalist democracy as 'manipulation'. Between the wars this was superseded by an ideology of 'regulation'. Then the drift has been towards the need for 'conservation'. His systematic approach demonstrate the dynamics of an unfolding debate and combines theoretical insight with clarity of exposition. This book will be an invaluable text for students of political science, sociology, social theory, and the history of political economy.

This title was first published in 1983.

Civilized Rebels compares in depth four very well-known literary and political figures, who all opposed arrogant regimes and became prisoners. Through comparative biographies of Oscar Wilde, Jean Amery, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, it explores the long-term process of the retreat of the West from global power since the late nineteenth century, relating this to the decline and fall of the British Empire and the trauma surrounding Brexit. Drawing on rich empirical materials to examine themes of forced displacement, war, poverty, imprisonment and the threat of humiliation, the book reveals how these highly civilized rebels penetrated their opponents' mind-sets, while also providing a sophisticated analysis of how their struggles fitted into the larger world picture. Methodologically and theoretically innovative, and written in a lively and accessible style, Civilized Rebels will appeal to scholars across a range of disciplines, with interests in globalization, historical international relations, postcolonial and subaltern studies, comparative biographical studies, European studies, the sociology of emotions and historical sociology.

First published in 1982, this study explores the dynamics of class formation during the vital decades between 1830 and 1914, when a rising urban industrial order was developing in complex interdependence with a declining rural agrarian order. The book follows the divergent paths of two cities - Birmingham and Sheffield - in their social development. These paths reflect the complex process of conflict and compromise as the 'old' order was gradually replaced by the 'new'. It studies in detail many aspects of social life that were affected by these changes such as education, public administration, political structures, public administration, religion, the professions, popular culture and family. This book will be of interest to those studying Victorian history and sociology.

This title was first published in 1983.

First published in 1982, this study explores the dynamics of class formation during the vital decades between 1830 and 1914, when a rising urban industrial order was developing in complex interdependence with a declining rural agrarian order. The book follows the divergent paths of two cities - Birmingham and Sheffield - in their social development. These paths reflect the complex process of conflict and compromise as the 'old' order was gradually replaced by the 'new'. It studies in detail many aspects of social life that were affected by these changes such as education, public administration, political structures, public administration, religion, the professions, popular culture and family. This book will be of interest to those studying Victorian history and sociology.

This is a survey of the careers of the twenty-two Afro-Americans who served in Congress during and immediately after reconstruction and an evaluation of their achievements. Smith has drawn a vivid account of the lives and influence of these black leaders. The campaigns and elections of these congressmen are individually detailed, and their stories previous to and following their terms in Congress are briefly sketched. Originally published in 1940. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

Civilized Rebels compares in depth four very well-known literary and political figures, who all opposed arrogant regimes and became prisoners. Through comparative biographies of Oscar Wilde, Jean Amery, Nelson Mandela and Aung San Suu Kyi, it explores the long-term process of the retreat of the West from global power since the late nineteenth century, relating this to the decline and fall of the British Empire and the trauma surrounding Brexit. Drawing on rich empirical materials to examine themes of forced displacement, war, poverty, imprisonment and the threat of humiliation, the book reveals how these highly civilized rebels penetrated their opponents' mind-sets, while also providing a sophisticated analysis of how their struggles fitted into the larger world picture. Methodologically and theoretically innovative, and written in a lively and accessible style, Civilized Rebels will appeal to scholars across a range of disciplines, with interests in globalization, historical international relations, postcolonial and subaltern studies, comparative biographical studies, European studies, the sociology of emotions and historical sociology.

Also Available as an eBook

Friendship• Love• Fear• Death•

Here, back in print at last, is Dennis Smith's American classic: a searing vision of urban American through the eyes of a silent hero, a New York City fireman stationed in the South Bronx.

Report From Engine Co. 82

This could be the night reads the sign above the firehouse door. And, indeed, with the introspection of a man prepared to face death with every alarm bell, Dennis Smith turns his observant eye upon the lives he unflinchingly places before his own. From his bawdy and brave fellow firefighters, to the hopeful, hateful, beautiful, and beleaguered residents of the poverty-stricken district where he works, this is the compelling human story of the most brutalizing-and most rewarding-profession in the country.

Now reissued with a new introduction by the author, Report From Engine Co. 82 is a tense, violent, poignantly written account from the front lines...where fire illuminates a battered city and heroes are made of ordinary men.

An Alternate Selection of Book-of-the-Month Club®

Offering a fascinating survey of Norbert Elias's life and writings, Dennis Smith traces the growth of his reputation. He is the first author to confront Elias's work with the contrasting theories of Talcott Parsons, Hannah Arendt, Michel Foucault and Zygmunt Bauman. He also illustrates how Elias's insights can be applied to understand Western modernity and social and political change. Smith shows why Elias is important for sociology, but he is also clear sighted about the limitations of Elias's approach.

Standing for the Red, White and Blue is a unique children's non-fiction book that promotes humanitarianism and compassion for the victims of hurricane Katrina. It is an enriching story about children who attend Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Willingboro, New Jersey. During this positive experience, the children gathered to form a human flag, symbolizing that we stand behind the colors of our flag and everything that it represents. Standing for the Red, White and Blue re-tells our efforts to raise money for the victims. Each child brought in one dollar to participate in the human flag. The money that was raised through this very special fund raising event was then given to the American Red Cross to benefit the hurricane Katrina victims. The book teaches children that during a crisis, we are humanitarians and we will do all that we can to assist those in need. Standing for the Red, White and Blue serves as a reminder that a natural catastrophe can occur at anytime. We must stand up as citizens of The United States of America and come together as one. We must always remember to stand behind our flag and what it represents. This extraordinary book is a necessity for every classroom and home library.

An unforgettable journey through the daily lives of the brave men and women who have made saving lives their profession.
Dennis Smith, author of Report from Engine Co. 82, traveled across the country talking to dozens of America’s firefighters to put together this powerful collection of their own descriptions of their most dramatic and intense experiences on the job. Their stories, compiled here, are timeless testimonies to the human capacity for heroism and nobility.
Focusing on the most courageous firefighters, from those who have been decorated for heroism to those who have been seriously injured, Firefighters presents the extraordinarily rich and rugged voices of men and women who fight urban building fires, who battle sweeping forest fires, who perform emergency rescues, and who face extreme danger and risk as part of their everyday lives. Sometimes brave, sometimes funny, sometimes bittersweet or filled with anger, these voices combine to make Firefighters both a riveting adventure drama and a moving chronicle of American heroism at its finest.