Concepts of the Self (Key Concepts (Paperback))

"This book is extremely useful for those studying concepts of self and identity. Elliott discusses the main debates on self and identity in sociology, psychoanalysis, philosophy and politics.

Whats most useful is that not only does he point out the important themes of these theories; but he also points out their limitations, who pointed out these limitations and what their answer to these limitations are, thus joining each author to each other and showing how they each got to their viewpoint.

A bit tough on the novice as it is full of field specific language that makes for hard going at times, (remember it spans 4 different fields). That aside, it is a very good way to see who is saying what in self and identity, (plus its relatively short too).
He doesnt go very in depth, treat it as a whirlwind tour of the self."
~ Written on 2004-07-30

"This is perhaps the best book on the self in social theory I've come accross. Really engaging, comprehensive and daring. I've read some of Elliott's earlier works, and this is his best yet."
~ Written on 2001-11-09