Includes bibliographical references (p. [257]-275) and index.

Historical Patterns of Crime in England -- Crime Trends in the Neo-Liberal Age -- Philosophy, Social Theory and Criminology: The Underlying Liberal Narrative -- 20th Century Criminological Theory: From Aetiology to Controlology Living with the Undead: The Failure of Liberal-Left Theory -- The Return of the Dialectic -- The Transcendental Materialist Subject -- On the Stimulation and Pacification of Populations.

"Steve Hall uses cutting-edge philosophy and social theory to analyze empirical work on patterns of crime and illuminate contemporary criminological issues. He provides a fresh, relevant critique of the philosophical and political underpinnings of criminological theory and the theoretical canon's development during the twentieth century. Unmatched in its sophistication yet written in a clear, accessible style, this dynamic and highly engaging book is essential reading for all students, researchers and academics working in criminology, sociology, social policy, politics and the social sciences in general." -- Publisher's website.