Now in its third edition, this innovative core text provides a comprehensive and critical introduction to key theories and topics in criminology. Highlighting issues of class, race, and gender, the authors navigate the study of crime and criminals in an accessible and compelling manner. Notably, the text investigates a breadth of topics - ranging from street crime to corporate fraud. It explores pivotal theories for understanding crime and victimization. It promotes critical thinking by analyzing media constructions of crime. It includes the voices of offenders, victims, and criminal justice personnel. It engages students through discussion of issues drawn from the headlines.