Formations of Modernity : Understanding Modern Societies an Introduction Book 1, Paperback by Gieben, Bram (EDT); Hall, Stuart (EDT), ISBN 0745609600, ISBN-13 9780745609607, Brand New, Free shipping in the US An examination of the historical processes, institutions and ideas which have shaped 20th-century societies. Its themes include the way in which the political, economic, social and cultural dimensions of modern industrialized societies developed and the historical transition to “modernity”.