Law, Crime and Deviance since 1700: Micro-Studies in the History

In this review of Law, Crime and Deviance since 1700 the authors set out a convincing case for the micro-study as a tool of historical analysis; the book is best suited to readers who want detailed, context-rich narratives rather than broad theorising. The single biggest reason to buy is its collection of focused case studies that connect specific incidents to wider legal and social patterns, making it useful for students and researchers seeking concrete examples and methodological discussion in historical criminology.

Key Features

• Micro-study approach: Each chapter uses an in-depth narrative to reveal how a single event or local practice illuminates broader questions about crime and the law in its period.
• Range of case studies: The book covers diverse episodes from policing vice in Victorian London to chain gang narratives in the southern United States, which helps readers compare contexts across time and place.
• Methodological focus: Chapters unpack historiographical and contextual issues, offering clear reflections on how micro-studies contribute to legal and social history.
• Narrative depth: Authors provide detailed storytelling that situates incidents within social relations and legal practice, aiding readers who prefer concrete examples over abstract summaries.
• Concluding synthesis: The final section brings the separate narratives together to show shared implications for the history of crime and deviance.

Who It's For

This volume is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students of criminology, legal historians, and researchers who need exemplar case studies to illustrate methodological points or classroom discussion. It works well as a supplementary text for courses that examine crime in social and legal context rather than as a comprehensive textbook.

Readers seeking a broad, encyclopedic survey of crime since 1700 or a handbook of criminal law doctrine should look elsewhere; this book prioritises depth and narrative over exhaustive coverage or doctrinal analysis.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rich, focused narratives that reveal how single incidents illuminate wider patterns in social relations and law.
• Useful methodological discussion that helps readers apply micro-study techniques in their own research.
• Diverse geographic and thematic examples that support comparative thinking across time and place.

Cons

• Not a comprehensive survey; readers wanting broad coverage of every region or period may find its scope limited.

Specifications

Title	Law, Crime and Deviance since 1700: Micro-Studies in the History of Crime
Editors / Authors	David Nash, Anne-Marie Kilday
Approach	In-depth narrative micro-studies with historiographical discussion
Historical range	Incidents and themes from 1700 onwards
Case study examples	Policing vice in Victorian London; chain gang narratives in the southern United States
Focus	Crime, law and deviant behaviour in historical context

Our Verdict

Law, Crime and Deviance since 1700 is a thoughtful collection that will repay readers who want concrete, well-argued examples of how micro-studies illuminate larger legal and social questions. It represents good value for students and researchers seeking methodological clarity and comparative case material rather than a sweeping, single-volume history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book cover a wide historical period?
The book examines incidents and themes from 1700 onwards, using specific case studies to explore different periods.

Is it suitable for classroom use?
Yes; its focused chapters and methodological discussion make it useful as a supplementary text for courses in criminology and legal history.

Will this serve as a comprehensive survey of crime history?
No; it prioritises depth in selected micro-studies rather than exhaustive global coverage or doctrinal legal detail.