Criminology: A Complete Introduction

by Peter Joyce

Written by Peter Joyce, who is a current criminology lecturer and a leading researcher, Criminology - The Essentials is designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. It covers the key areas that students are expected to be confident in, outlining the basics in clear jargon-free English, and then providing added-value features like summaries of key books, and even lists of questions you might be asked in your seminar or exam. The book uses a structure that mirrors many university courses on criminology - starting with definitions of crime, then examining why people commit crime, and how crime can be prevented and detected. Later chapters hone in on the criminal justice system itself, examining the role of the police, the courts and prisons. This book is unique for its comparative approach to criminology, enabling students to understand criminology in the context of the UK, the US and further afield. Teach Yourself titles employ the 'Breakthrough method', which is designed specifically to overcome problems that students face. - Problem: 'I find it difficult to remember what I've read.'; Solution: this book includes end-of-chapter questions and summaries - Problem: 'Most books mention important other sources, but I can never find them in time.'; Solution: this book includes key texts and case studies are summarised, complete with fully referenced quotes ready to use in your essay or exam. - Problem: 'Lots of introductory books turn out to cover totally different topics than my course.'; Solution: this book is written by a current university lecturer who understands what students are expected to know.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology

Paperback

About the author

Peter Joyce has produced some seventy titles ranging across the spectrum from travel and wildlife through biography to his specialist subject, history. Among his books is the bestselling South Africa in the 20th Century. Before becoming a full-time writer, he held senior positions with publishing companies in Zimbabwe and South Africa, including Struik and Reader’s Digest South Africa. He lives in Cape Town.


Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Please also check:
Peter Joyce - actor & narrator
Peter Joyce - British law & politics
Peter Joyce - illustrator

Reviews

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll focus on “A Complete Introduction” and “Teach Yourself”. Well, you really can teach yourself. I find this book satisfies lots of my curiousity about criminology. I used to be confused about its difference to forensic psychology but it’s totally different. A compacted introduction in 300+ pages and it covered a lot. A perfect book if you only want to peek a bit of the subject.

However, there are some terms I don’t quite know. Such a challenging read with dictionary always beside me. Some sentences are getting complicated as the book progresses, so I had to repeat again and again. Also, this book focuses only in the UK and the US, as the authors are lecturer and researcher in Manchester Metropolitan University. I’m afraid the system in Indonesia (and countries outside the UK/US, perhaps) isn’t the same, so I’m not sure if the solution for some problems listed is relieving enough for readers. Moreover, students majoring or planning to major in criminology may need to pick additional books as complement (especially if you’re always curious), although this book designed for students.

Despite the minuses, this book’s really helpful for learning what I’m dying to know, tho not too much that I want to be a criminologist. Second, I got to learn new vocabs.

A 4.5 out of 5 from me, but sadly no 0.5 here so I give this a 4.

[Moza Al-Kharji · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first couple of chapters were ok, but as progressed with reading, it got a bit boring to sit down and read. Some parts were repetitive. Maybe if the data and examples were a bit more inclusive and diverse, instead of just focusing on the USA and the UK? Or at least focus on either the USA or UK at least because things get jumbled up in your brain as you read.

[Teodora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't want to hear someone say "England and Wales" for at least a month.

Parts 1 to 10 were amazing, even took some notes, but then we got into things that were applied or about England and Wales, and I was bored. I thought this book will take a larger approach on the subjects but I guess I was wrong. I understand you can't make a book about the whole justice system or the other things discussed in this book but, as a person who is not from England, those chapters made me skim them just to move on to something more interesting.

The first ~ 10 chapters were nice because they didn't focus on things that happened or are about England and Wales, those are the chapters that are the most interesting and would be important to read.

A little disappointed about this book thought that since it is a Teach Yourself book it will be for everyone not just England & Wales population. I already bought and want to read Understand Psychology & Jung: The Key Ideas: From analytical psychology and dreams to the collective unconscious and more and I hope I won't be as disappointed.

[Abdulrahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good book.

Although the book focuses on modern-day United Kingdom and United States, as most of the statistics provided are from the UK Government, it has been a pretty good introduction to criminology. The book mentions facts and definitions, tips for students (pursuing criminology or similar fields) and case studies that are related to the topic at hand. I appreciate the idea of a quiz at the end of each chapter to test one's understanding, as well as an abundant source of references (in fact boxes and at the end of each chapter that are useful for those who would like to read more.

[Alex]

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[Cole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Informative in some aspects but I'm glad I never studied the field of Criminology.

It's essentially left-wing politics used as a lens to view the CJS.

Would not recommend.

[Scout Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great starter book for anyone interested in criminology. Focuses primarily on the UK legal system, but does refer to the US and occasionally Ireland or Australia, too. It's a great little textbook that's an easy read and perfect for anyone who is currently studying, or considering studying, criminology.