For centuries scholars have studied the possible causes of criminal behavior in the hopes of shedding light on one of society's most persistent problems. This volume examines criminology from the perspective of those centuries of study. Written by a psychologist who has worked extensively with the criminal population, it focuses on the diverse theories that have been offered and the ways in which they contribute to the modern view of the criminal. The correlates of crime such as age, gender, race and IQ are discussed along with more random factors such as choice and chance. Theories of...

From drilling holes into the skulls of prisoners, to solitary confinement, to deploying a range of psychological therapies, society has attempted to deal with the problem of criminals in myriad ways over the last few centuries. This analytical history explores the ever-changing approaches to punishing wrongdoers and preventing further offenses, the philosophical beliefs underlying them, and their relative effects. It discusses such core issues as the role of free will and determination, the root causes of crime, and the effects of studying crimes versus studying criminals. It highlights the...