This lively and accessible text provides an introduction to the history of crime and crime control. It explains the historical background that is essential for an understanding of contemporary criminal justice, and examines the historical context for contemporary criminological debates. Topics covered include: crime statistics; constructions of criminality; policing; prisons; surveillance; governance; white-collar crime; and, immigration and crime. For each topic, the book provides an overview of current research, comment on current arguments and links to wider debates.