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.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

Decent, but there is better...  Jan 17, 2007
By Jain Dow
While reading this book, I was satisfied with it and learned valuable information. However, once a good friend of mine - who is a criminology professor at Towson University - gave me a copy of Cullen and Agnew's book titled, "Criminological Theory: Past to Present," I quickly became somewhat disappointed with Akers' book. Even though I did aquire valuable information from Akers' book, in comparison I felt the Cullen and Agnew book was much better organized and much more thorough.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:

a book for all criminology enthusiasts  Sep 26, 2005
By G. A. Trylko "creative thinker"
Criminological theories is a well written book on theories, evaluations, and applications. The chapter I found most interesting was on Deterrence of Criminal Behavior. The delivery time on this book was exceptional. I would order from this company again.

0 of 1 found the following review helpful:

I am very upset  Sep 25, 2011
By Purity "Firefighter"
I am very upset at the fact that I purchased the criminology book on the 16th of September and my book was mailed on the 23 of September and I needed it for my class home work. Are you serious, I am a very unhappy customer. The book was supposed to be here by the 22nd or 23 the latest according to Amazon.

0 of 1 found the following review helpful:

Textbook  Aug 14, 2011
By Candace
Contains a lot of information about criminological theory. Unfortunately it is written for someone who already knows a lot about the topic. Also the authors prefers to use 25-cent words rather than explain theories in a simple and direct manner. Interesting reading but bring your dictionary along to help understand the language.