A General Theory of Crime
"[The authors] present a tour de force critique of past research and offer nothing less than a theory that 'explains all crime, at all times.' . . . The intellectual weight of Gottfredson and Hirschi's efforts is . . . a 'must read' . . . provocative, brilliantly argued, and always challenging."—Robert J. Sampson, University of Chicago"Most researchers who formulate theories of crime are timid, seeking to explain a small piece of the puzzle (e.g., gangs, female delinquency) at a specific point in time.  Not so with Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi.  InA General Theory of Crimethey present a tour de force critique of the past research and offer nothing less than a theory that "explains all crime, at all times."  Normally such a claim would be dimissed by criminologists as wishful thinking, perhaps worse.  But the intellectual weight of Gottfredson and Hirschi's efforts is forcing criminologists to take notice and rethink some cherished assumptions.  Indeed, this book is a "must read" that is provocative, brilliantly argued, and always challenging."—University of Chicago"This book is well worthy of study and provides a comprehensive and challenging reading of theory and data."—British Journal of Criminology"This book presents powerful arguments, turns many neat phrases, shows that much criminology is confused about its purpose or blind to its inconsistencies, demonstrates the profound implications of its argument for criminology, generally, and for the ways it is studied, specifically, and will almost convince a reader that black is white. . . .This is an excellent book.  Nobody interested in crime and deviance can afford to ignore it."—American Journal of Sociology"A General Theory of Crimeeffectively battles misconceptions about crime, criminals, and appropriate law-enforcement techniques that have all too long dominated thinking in the United States."—Criminal Law Bulletin