About the Author

John Astley is a writer, lecturer, and course designer on topics related to the sociology of culture - and is a frequent contributor to journals, conferences, and radio talks. For some time now, his main focus of attention is to be found (and is reflected) in the titles and contents of these three volumes of essays. He is also very concerned about the inter-relations between theory, practice, experience, and theorising, which, not surprisingly, require him to examine the nature and role of character in regard to 'structuralising' factors like culture. John Astley is currently working on "Herbivores and Carnivores", a timely investigation into cultural values in contemporary society.