Violent crime is an emotional subject, rife with explanations for causes and suggestions for cures, not all of them well-founded. In this introductory textbook, Ferguson (clinical and forensic psychology, Texas A & M University) and his contributors provide an overview of the most well-researched theories about violent crime, those who commit it and those who suffer from it. The book is divided into studies of the causes of crime, from social to biological, and then of the offenders and their victims. Each chapter is clearly referenced and written in a clear and unemotional style. Suggestions for discussion are given at the end of each chapter. The conclusions help the student to sort out the popular, but unsubstantiated, theories from those formed by well-documented research. A bibliography and list of useful websites accompanies each chapter.