The first chapter presents a general introduction to the study of criminology, the second chapter follows with an examination of research methods, and the third chapter describes general patterns and variations in crime. The fourth and fifth chapters present theoretical explanations of crime and criminality. Subsequent chapters consider specific forms of criminal behavior, including violent criminal behavior (murder, assault, assassination, rape, robbery, domestic violence, and drunk driving); crimes that do physical, psychological, and economic harm to their victims and threaten the social fabric by creating a climate of fear; and other types of criminal behavior (professional, corporate, political, organized, and public order crimes). The final chapter discusses the future of crime in the context of ideology, social policy, and policy options. References, tables, figures, and photographs