Essential Criminology

"Essential Criminology" brings a breath of fresh air to my course at the same time it provides the materials to cover a very important but very difficult topic: theorizing about crime itself. Sandra Quinn, St. Ambrose University No other text on theories of crime can compete with "Essential Criminology" s precise coverage of core theories in crime causation or with its seductive encouragement to actively engage the respective theories. This book will not only appeal to students but also to those seeking a comprehensive, critical reference text. Dragan Milovanovic, Northeastern Illinois University In the fourth edition of "Essential Criminology," authors Mark M. Lanier, Stuart Henry, and Desire J.M. Anastasia build upon this best-selling critical review of criminology, which is now essential reading for students of criminology in the 21st century. Designed as an alternative to overly comprehensive, lengthy, and expensive introductory texts, "Essential Criminology" provides a concise overview of the field. It guides students through the various definitions of crime and the different ways crime is measured, and then covers the major theories of crime, from individual-level, classical, and rational choice, to biological, psychological, social learning, social control, and interactionist perspectives. In this latest edition, the authors explore the kind of criminology that is needed for the globally interdependent twenty-first century. With cutting-edge updates, illustrative real-world examples, and new study tools for students, this text is a necessity for both undergraduate and graduate courses in criminology. Mark M. Lanier is professor and the Dean's Assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama. He is the author or editor of 12 books on crime and research methods, including "Research Methods in Criminal Justice and Criminology: A Mixed Methods Approach "(Oxford University). Stuart Henry is professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University. He is the author of over twenty books including the classic work, "The Hidden Economy." Desire J. M. Anastasia is assistant professor of sociology at Metropolitan State University of Denver."