"This is an immensely useful book for sociologists working in a wide range of sub-fields. It confirms Freidson's status among the leading exponents of the old Chicago tradition. This book is catholic in its reading, sophisticated in its arguments and cautious in its judgements."-Robert Dingwall, Sociology"As an attempt to provide a complex, wide-ranging account this book should be essential reading for specialist students, and it should act as a stimulus for the extension of both empirical research and theory."-Alex Faulkner, Sociological Review"Freidson's book is a concise introduction to the professions, challenging specialists with its puncturing of theoretically induced misconceptions and offering general readers a clear but critical entrée to the theoretical literature concerning this central aspect of modern society."-Andrew Abbott, Science"This is a stimulating and well-written book which opens up a new perspective on the professions as well as contributing to existing debates."-David Podmore, Times Higher Education Supplement