This collection of essays originates from Karl Mannheim's early career, which saw him introduce theoretical concepts which remain influential in sociology to this day.

Dr. Paul Kecskemeti compiled this insightful compendium of Mannheim's initial publications of sociological theory in 1951, with none of the essays having hitherto appeared in English. These writings are valuable, for they show the beginnings of several concepts which were to flourish during Mannheim's later career. His ideas surround individual thought processes, their influence upon the society at large, and how the acquisition of knowledge cultural and ideological changes a given country subtly and overtly.

Many of Mannheim's ideas build upon initial investigations by Émile Durkheim, applying the idea of a sociology of knowledge to different facets of human reality. For example, he examines the impact of acquired knowledge on the social strata and different classes in a society, and how cultural and social mores are passed along with successive generations. How and to what extent intellectual ideas and the popularity of ideology foment change in a society is a recurring theme, which would see further study as Mannheim's career progressed.