This is the book that criminology students have been waiting for. Written in a lively and conversational style, it introduces and familiarizes students with a set of basic notions which are essential to the study of crime and its control. The book explains the background to the ideas that underpin current debates about crime. It explores the interplay between philosophical and criminological theories to provide a stimulating and insightful overview of the subject. It offers students a fresh way of thinking about crime, giving them an opportunity to develop their understanding and to hone their.