Making a Career in Academia: The Case of Edward Shils and Mid-Twentieth Century Sociology

This paper analyses, on the basis of available archival documents, early career Edward A. Shils (1910–1995), especially in period around 1950, as well changing expectations field sociology this more generally. It starts with an overview Shils’ translations German texts, Karl Mannheim and Max Weber, way which he benefited from growing reputational standing these authors. The focus next shifts to transatlantic presence, at both University Chicago London School Economics, choices made regard. Afterwards we look his work Talcott Parsons Harvard successful last-minute claim co-editorship Toward a General Theory Action. In concluding section, it is emphasized that was captivated by perception own life others terms trajectory – its specific successes failures.