Criminology: A Sociological Introduction

`This new edition of Criminology: A Sociological Introduction not only offers an essential grounding in how to think sociologically about crime, from the histories of crime to the futures of crime and crime control, but provides new and exciting insights in relation to the ever-changing contours of criminological debate. The contemporary nature of the material and issues covered, combined with critical questions posed by the authors, make this a rich, authoritative and stimulating resource!'
Loraine Geslthorpe, University of Cambridge, UK

`There are now several introductory criminology texts but in a crowded marketplace Criminology: A Sociological Introduction stands out. Written by the internationally renowned team at Essex University, this third incarnation builds on the success of previous editions and includes chapters on some of the most pressing concerns in the field, including terrorism and counter-terrorism, state crime and human rights. Accessible, stimulating and sometimes provocative, this book takes students through the most important socio-criminological issues of our time and is a resource that they will return to again and again.'

Yvonne Jewkes, University of Leicester, UK

`This book provides a vibrant, exciting guide to the relationship between crime and society. With important insights into the history, theory and practice of crime and crime control from a sociological perspective, the book lays down conceptual and methodological foundations that allow us to better understand and appreciate the key criminological issues of the contemporary era. Highly recommended.'

Rob White, University of Tasmania, Australia

`A very fine critical introduction to criminology has gotten better in this most recent edition. The text provides a good balance of breadth with depth. It unpacks and makes digestible often complex perspectives on crime and justice and, for this reason, it is one of the better texts on the market today for first year students. The sweep of ideas and topics is impressive, giving ample scope to the `new' without trying to be fashionable.'

John Scott, University of New England, Australia

`I have been using Criminology: A Sociological Introduction in my Crime and Punishment courses for several semesters now. I chose this particular text out of several that I have examined because it has a global perspective, a critical lens, and it provides a comprehensive overview of criminological issues that I have been unable to find in other texts. This book is very accessible to my students without sacrificing sophistication and nuance.'

Miriam J. Konrad, Georgia State University, USA

`This third edition retains all the strengths of earlier editions while adding important new work on contemporary issues. It gives students a thorough grounding not just in the traditional aspects of the discipline to do with crime, policing and punishment but in more current issues facing society like the `war on terror' and the impact of globalization. The critical thinking questions listed in each chapter encourage students to think and read more deeply than many textbooks while the `Further Study' suggestions are invaluable resources for directing their reading and research.'

Mary Bosworth, University of Oxford, UK

`This is an essential resource for anyone interested in the study of crime and social control. This resource is distinct with its frame of the criminological imagination, and provides a systematic and critical examination of the historical and contemporary context of crime, thinking about crime and its control, and globalization and crime. Already a terrific reference, this third edition offers additional and very timely insights into some of the key global issues in criminology, including terrorism, state crime and human rights.'

Karen Laidler, University of Hong Kong

`The latest edition of this textbook provides students new to the field with a comprehensive introduction to the sociology of crime. The book is accessible without being overly simplistic and it encourages students to think sociologically about crime and popular responses to it. This new edition combines important coverage of key aspects of theory and analysis with new work and new fields of study that are at the very heart of sociological criminology today. I'm sure it will prove to be an excellent resource for students.'

Simon Winlow, Teesside University, UK