Still the only survey of current research available, this exploration of the incidence, causes and control of crime in Early Modern England throws a vivid light on the times. It uses court archives to capture the everyday lives of people who would otherwise have left little mark on the historical record. It also has a strong historiographical dimension, describing different methodologies for the study of crime, and commenting on the wealth of research literature it has now generated. This new edition fully updated throughout, incorporates new thinking on many issues including gender and crime; changes in punishment; and literary perspectives on crime.