Cornell alumnus Kris Merschrod's new e-book, "A Sociology: The Dynamics of Collectivities and Their Application to Social Change and Development," combines sociological theory and its applications to social development and change projects, based on the author's experiences over the last 30 years.

Merschrod, a development sociologist in Ithaca, says the book's purpose is "to bridge the theoretical and applied aspects of sociology by combining abstract theory, tested by rigorous research, with field experience."

Merschrod has three degrees from Cornell: a bachelor's in international agricultural development, 1966; a Master of Professional Studies, 1974; and a Ph.D. in developmental sociology, 1981.

Highlights of the e-book can be viewed at http://www.merschrod.net.