In writing a text which they hope goes "back to the basics", Hunter and Dantzker have produced a text which is comprehensive in scope but may be too brief in some of its explanations for the student to grasp the complex principles fully. The text examines crime with particular attention to the many theories that attempt to explain crime, including theories that consider crime causation and victimization. Concluding chapters offer various perspectives on how best to deal with those who break the law, their victims, and how the criminal system affects those who are law-abiding. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)