The SAGE Handbook of Criminological Theory

This is an important text for students getting to grips with sociological and criminological topic matter. It provides thorough but easy to follow accounts of theoretical development, which gives students the confidence that they haven′t ′missed anything out′ and is a helpful signpost for further reading. -- Dr Elizabeth Yardley * drupal *
Excellent, a must have for students studying criminological theory -- Dr Karen Corteen * drupal *
There are some very interesting chapters in the book, particularly regarding new advances in this field. We don′t have a core textbook and students are recommended to read a number of books in this subject area. -- Dr Karen Shalev Greene * drupal *
This book is an essential text for students. It provides clear guidance and explanation on key criminological theories. -- Dr Lisa Sugiura * drupal *
This is an important text/handbook in this field, however, it is too costly for most of our students, and some of the content is beyond undergraduate students. I have set it as a recommended addition to the required textbook (Crime and Criminology 5e) for the more advanced students to use. -- Dr Nicole Asquith * drupal *
A useful text to compliment other texts. -- Dr Stephen Hallam * drupal *
This book provides an excellent collection of criminological perspectives. It is accessible to students wishing to find information and is clearly written. A welcome recommended text for students. -- Miss Emma Conduct * drupal *
The book is a much needed and welcomed addition to our list of recommended texts for our students. It is suggested that they purchase or consult a library copy alongside ′Criminological Perspectives′ also published by Sage. This book is great for background reading for students and given its clearly written chapters will enable them to begin to understand theories before pursuing them more in depth by reading the original texts. -- Miss Rachel Morris * drupal *
One of a number of general books for criminological theory but one that is set out quite well which enables students to find initial information with links to more in depth coverage elsewhere. For that reason, it is one of the first ports of call for students grappling with theoretical challenges -- Mr Ashley Tiffen * drupal *
This book provides an excellent collection of criminological theorising. It enables the reader to reflect critically upon the theoretical positions posed and how they can be applied to contemporary issues/problems. -- Mr Gareth Addidle * drupal *
This is an excellent introduction to criminological theory. Its strength lies in being an edited volume and not reliant on one or several writers trying to summarise the vast canon of theory, always a tough call. What were provided with is an impressive array of leading scholars with dedicated chapters outlining the entire theoretical corpus, including newer areas of theoretical endeavour. Mostly this consists of sophisticated treatments avoiding vulgar readings and simplistic understandings common to many introductionary texts. Consequently i have no trouble in recommending this text to all my first year undergraduate students, in fact, I urge them to go out and buy it!
I have only two criticisms; firstly there is no chapter on state crime and political crime. Whilst were provided with a good discussion of critical criminology this is wholly inadequate in light of the recent revelations from Wikileaks and Snowden, as well as a host of other exposes concerning the illegal and corrupt activities of numerous state security agencies and the police. The state is a criminal par excellence and it′s an oversight not to provide a more thorough treatment of this. Secondly, I thought there were two weaker chapters (gender and crime; cultural criminology) that meander around whilst adding little to understanding the subjects they try and present. But in light of what is a very good effort, these are small criticisms.
-- Mr Kris Christmann * drupal *
The text is extremely useful to any criminology student. The book proves most useful when looking at specialist aspects of criminological study and is presented in a clear and accessible format. -- Mr Lewis Simpson * drupal *
A good introductory textbook for undergraduate criminology students -- Mr Mark Jagus * drupal *
An impressive collection of material, with wide ranging work from accomplished academics and researchers.
An important book covering a range of crucial issues. -- Mr Matthew Scandrett * drupal *
Duplicate entry -- Mr Peter Norton * drupal *
Great book very useful for my students, feedback from them was: Easy to read and comprehensive. -- Mr Peter Norton * drupal *
The book wasn′t exactly what I expected as the content was generally only suitable for students with an efficient background in criminological theory. I will reccomend it to the LRC as it would be a valuable research tool for Level 6, dissertation, and postgraduate students. -- Mr Richard Turner * drupal *
This book will be very useful for my final year students studying Criminology, especially helping them to think more critically about crime and justice. I enjoyed reading the chapter on ‘Labelling, Social Reaction and Social Constructionism’ by John Muncie. -- Mr Sean Creaney * drupal *
This book brings together key criminological theories but, more importantly, updates these to include ′new directions′, including green and global criminologies which, whilst more perspectives than theories, are lacking in many similar texts -- Mrs Melanie Wellsmith * drupal *
An invaluable resource for students at any level, particularly for those looking for explanations and updates on traditional theories.
-- Mrs Sarah Watson * drupal *
An excellent addition to the criminology theory genre of texts; thorough, accessible and well-written. -- Ms Helen Arnold * drupal *