Contending Theories of International Relations by James E. Dougherty, Robert L. Pfaltzgraff (2000, Paperback)

I bought this book on the recommendation of one of my favorite college professors. Wanting to learn more about IR Theory, but not wanting to read every seminal book in the field (nor having the time), she suggested this would be a great survey and a great reference text. Dougherty and Pfaltzgraff are comprehensive and comprehendable, both important since I was reading this outside a formal lecture class. It is very well written, and very detailed, with a density that requires focus--- it is definitely an academic piece not meant for casual reading. And they accomplish their objective excellently. Their painstaking reference to critical works has allowed me to pursue in more depth those theories I found most interesting and relevant to other studies. This book is often used as a textbook in IR classes, and provides a great foundation in the subject.