In the thought-provoking work “The Criminal Classes: Who Does Society Fear and Why?”, authors Alexandra and Barry Godfrey embark on a historical journey to dissect the societal construct of the ‘criminal class’. This book is not merely a chronicle of crimes and punishments but an insightful exploration into the societal psyche that labels and fears certain groups as perpetual offenders.

The narrative begins in the shadowy Victorian alleyways, introducing us to the garrotters and the infamous Jack the Ripper, and traverses through time to the modern-day drug trade. The Godfreys meticulously detail the evolution of society’s response to crime, from public executions and floggings to long-term imprisonment, reflecting on the effectiveness of these measures in controlling crime.

What sets this book apart is its interdisciplinary approach. The authors skillfully weave in perspectives from criminology, social psychology, history, and literature to support their analysis. The use of original etchings, prints, and excerpts from various media forms, including newspapers and court records, enriches the narrative, offering a multi-faceted view of crime and its portrayal.

The book also challenges the reader to consider the role of the media in shaping public perception and fear. It delves into how a handful of crimes can be sensationalized to depict the poor or marginalized communities as inherently criminal, sparking moral panics that resonate through the ages.

One of the most compelling aspects of “The Criminal Classes” is its comparison of real-life criminals with fictional counterparts like the Artful Dodger and Pinkie from “Brighton Rock”. This juxtaposition not only entertains but also prompts reflection on how fiction often mirrors and sometimes distorts reality.

As the Godfreys conclude by pondering who the new criminal classes might be, they leave us with a lingering question: Are we, as a society, repeating the mistakes of the past by branding certain groups as the ‘other’ based on fear rather than fact?

“The Criminal Classes” is a well-researched, engaging read that is particularly recommended for students and enthusiasts of criminology, social sciences, and history. It is a book that informs and challenges us to look beyond the headlines and stereotypes to understand the complex interplay between society and those it deems criminal.

NetGalley, J. Kromrie

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a sociologist, or someone with the degree anyway, I naturally need to scoop books like this up. I learned a lot!
I will recommend this to my other soc nerd friends.

NetGalley, Jamie Carter Park

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Criminal Classes is very well thought out and would be ideal for students of not just criminology, but Social Psychology, History, Literature and media studies. The reason I point to these areas, is because the book skillfully employs examples from each of these diciplines to support the points made.

The most fascinating I found, was the effect of the media of the time on behaviours of more affluent classes. A small amount of robberies would be exaggerated exponentially by the media, misrepresenting the poor as criminals, creating a hysteria of sorts (oh how this has carried on to this day!)

The use of original etchings and prints is a fascinating insight to the perception and recording of crime throughout history an a really nice touch is the comparisons drawn between the environments of today (high concentration council estates) and the rookeries of the Victorian era. The excerpts from newspapers, court records, literature and even Punch cartoons are a great illustration to a thought provoking, very well researched and presented discussion

The trends are certainly there, but how far can we trust these records in making forecasts as to what the future will bring? A fascinating book and certainly highly recommended.

NetGalley, Ink Reads