Anarchists were among the earliest modern thinkers to offer a systemic critique of criminal justice and among the first to directly criticize academic criminology while formulating a critical criminology. They identified the sources of social problems in social structures and relations of inequality and recognized that the institutions preferred by mainstream criminologists as would-be solutions to social problems were actually the causes or enablers of those harms in the first place. This volume collects critical writings on criminology from activists and philosophers like William Godwin, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Mikahil Bakunin, Peter Kropotkin, Lucy Parsons, Emma Goldman, and many others.

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Jeff Shantz is a professor in the Department of Criminology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

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"Too often so many people believe that criminology means law enforcement and punishment, but with this book, I am now armed to explain why I am interested in criminology. This book shows that there is a long brilliant history of people working to dismantle domination, control, and punishment."

- Poetry Behind the Walls

"A rich and provocative collection of writings that contribute to current abolitionist movements--examining past thinkers enables us to better examine our current problems and imagine alternative solutions!"

– Dr. Jason Del Gandio, co-editor ofSpontaneous Combustion: The Eros Effect and Global Revolution.

"Classic Writing in Anarchist Criminology is a must-read book for those who know the criminal justice system is broken, and want effective solutions. This collection lays out the theoretical foundation for scholars, politicians, practices, and activists to create sound solutions, sure to challenge the failing criminal justice system."

- Dr. Amber E. George, Editor,Journal for Critical Animal Studies

"This book is an outstanding collection of classic writings on anarchism. This is a perfect book for courses in peace and conflict studies and sociology. This provides researchers a great scholarly resource on the history of alternatives to punishment, prisons, and punitive justice."

- Dr. Erik Juergensmeyer, Editor,Green Theory andPraxis Journal

"Classic Writings in Anarchist Criminology brings together an outstanding collection of essays written by some of the most intelligent and influential anarchists that have ever walked the earth. Importantly, their arguments continue to burn with a ferocious intensity, bringing new understanding and insight as to why social justice alternatives to crime and punishment are needed. My hope is that this powerful book will spark—or reignite—a beautiful spirit of revolt, resistance, and commitment to freedom for all, within those fortunate enough to read it."

– Dr. Richard J. White, Reader in Human Geography, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

- Dr. Amber E. George, Editor,Journal for Critical Animal Studies

"Classic Writings in Anarchist Criminology is a book that every person that is interested in criminology must read. For too long traditional criminologists have been silencing anarchist criminology because they were providing alternatives that are were not punitive, but because of this book this will not be the case anymore."

– Madelynne Kinoshita, Save the Kids