Confessions of a Dying Thief: Understanding Criminal Careers and Illegal Enterprise (New Lines in Criminology) [Hardcover]

Darrell J. Steffensmeier (Author), Jeffery T. Ulmer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0202307603 | ISBN-13: 978-0202307602 | Publication Date: April 15, 2005

Confessions of a Dying Thief is an in-depth ethnographic study of the world of Sam Goodman, a long-time thief, fence, and quasi-legitimate businessman, based on continuous contact with him for many years, multiple interviews with his network of associates in crime and business, and a series of interviews with him shortly before he died. The book updates and greatly expands the case study of Sam Goodmans fencing activity found in Steffensmeiers award-winning 1986 book The Fence: In the Shadow of Two Worlds. The book combines Sams colorful narrative accounts with substantive commentary by the authors to provide a more nuanced portrayal of criminal careers, illegal enterprise, and the broad landscape comprising the entity called "crime."

Product Details

• Hardcover: 401 pages
• Publisher: Aldine Transaction (April 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0202307603
• ISBN-13: 978-0202307602
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,263,060 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Insightful and Educational Text on Criminology, January 23, 2010

By 

Ren Borrelli (State College, PA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Confessions of a Dying Thief: Understanding Criminal Careers and Illegal Enterprise (New Lines in Criminology) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for an Introduction to Criminology class with Professor Steffensmeier. I was expecting a bland case study, but am happy to say I was quite wrong.
Throughout Confessions of a Dying Thief, Steffensmeier introduces concepts of Criminology which parallels nicely with Sam Goodman's illegal and quasi-legitimate career.
The readings not only piqued my interest in the realm of Criminology, but reinforced key concepts I learned in class. I respect Professor Steffensmeier and his work greatly.
Take advantage of this learning opportunity.

Price: A bit much for a book. However, works as a textbook as well. Knowing that, I felt the price was fair.

Shipping: The shipping was free and arrived early on the expected arrival time.

Quality: The book came in perfect condition. It was plastic wrapped and sealed nicely.

Comments: Confessions of a Dying Thief works as an interesting read as well as a companion to an Introduction to Criminology.