The first two chapters present historical background and describe the development of the basic categories of the modern law of theft. The carrier's case of 1473 and the growth of the law of theft in England in the 18th century are examined in detail. The next two chapters focus on the construction of substantive law as shown by the case of larceny and on the function of technicality and discretion in criminal law administration. The book's second section focuses on three current types of theft: receiving stolen property, automobile theft, and embezzlement. U.S. Federal and State legislation in these areas is described. Social processes and patterns of behavior are examined. Certain reforms are advocated. Texts of several statutes and other documents are appended. An index of cases and subject index are included. Footnotes and statistical data are provided.