For courses in Criminology, Criminological Theory, Theories of Crime, and Crime in America The authoritative resource for concise, chronological coverage of all major sociological criminological theories Much appreciated for its strong research orientation and detailed research bibliographies that show the relationship between theory, research, and policy, Williams and McShane's Criminological Theory has been one of the most well-respected resources for undergraduate and graduate students nationwide for over 30 years. This book provides all of the key principles of the most researched theories in the field of criminology in a concise, clearly written, and economical format. Chapters are logically arranged and include the social, cultural, and political context necessary to understand the times that generated and supported the various theories presented, and the book's chronological map traces the development of each theory in relation to its predecessors and its role in the evolution of future theories. Each chapter ties into the preceding and subsequent chapter, adding cohesiveness to the theories. By understanding the relationship between early and present theory, students see the role played by the theorist more realistically, and can see themselves participating in theory as others before them have done.