The 31 most-cited scholars in 10 introductory textbooks published in 1963-68 were ranked and compared with similar studies that ranked the 19 most-cited scholars in 20 introductory criminology textbooks published from 1976 to-80 and the 47 most-cited scholars in 23 introductory criminology textbooks published from 1989 to-93. The combined data permitted the examination of important trends in citation patterns in criminology textbooks over three decades and to develop a list of seven elite scholars whose work has had an enduring impact on criminology. The seven scholars who were most cited over the three time periods were Albert Cohen, Marshall Clinard, Donald Cressey, Thorsten Sellin, Edwin Sutherland, Gresham Sykes, and Marvin Wolfgang. Findings indicated that prominence in criminology is fleeting for many scholars and endures for only a few. The scholars who have had a lasting impact on criminology appear to possess a rare combination of intellectual stamina, range, and brilliance. Tables, notes, list of the 1963-68 textbooks, and 48 references