Inventing Criminology: Essays on the Rise of 'Homo Criminalis'

by Piers Beirne, Ronald A. Farrell (Editor)

This book traces the intellectual history of criminology, analyzing the influence of early classical European concepts of criminality and the development of positivist methodologies. It is an original and carefully researched work, adding significantly to our knowledge of the history of criminology. From Cesare Beccaria's Dei delitti e delle pene to Charles Goring's The English Convict , Beirne offers refreshing and challenging insights on the intellectual and social histories of a variety of important concepts and movements in criminology.

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Piers Beirne is Professor of Sociology and Legal Studies in the Department of Criminology at the University of Southern Maine.