Criminological Theories : Introduction, Evaluation, and Application (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: Avoid it unless it is required for a class
Review: This book has a lot of promise, but fails to deliver. Most currently debated theories are covered in this text, but none except social learning theory receives adequate consideration. Akers presents only modified, interpreted versions of the most important foundational works in the field. This would definitely not be a book for beginners, and anyone seeking a solid basis for knowledge should look elsewhere.

Akers is primarily a social learning theorist, so (big surprise) every theory in the book is essientially boiled down to show how it is really social learning theory by another name. He also pays insufficient attention to the new theoretical trends in the field, which again is no real surprise. I would advise anyone seeking a good understanding of criminological theory to avoid this book. If you happen to be unfortunate enough to have a professor require it for a class, ask for suggestions about supplemental readings and take this one with a grain of salt. It's so slanted that you could roll marbles off of it.