As one of my colleagues likes to say, this is 'criminology as it oughta be.' The book addresses issues on the theoretical and analytic cutting edges of the discipline, and do so with an appreciation for the intellectual history of gang research that shaped the contemporary framing of these questions. Professor Short's introductory essay in itself is worth the purchase price in this regard. This definitely is required reading for anyone with even a marginal interest in gang dynamics and their contexts. -- Robert J. Bursik, Jr., University of Missouri-St. Louis Jim Short and Lorine Hughes have assembled an important group of essays that underscore the rationale for studying urban gangs. Following in the great 'Chicago tradition' of Thrasher, Short and Strodtbeck, Suttles, and Horowitz, among others, these works make substantial contributions to our understanding, while emphasizing the importance of method and theory as we approach to this increasingly urgent urban phenomenon. -- Elijah Anderson, author of Code of the Street Short and Hughes' anthology reveals the breadth and depth of the now globalized research terrain of gang research, a field of work that is essential to our understanding of group processes and human behavior. Short and Hughes take us on a challenging and rewarding journey through the very best research in this intellectually vibrant and constantly changing field. -- John Hagan, Northwestern University A real strength of this book is its presentation of new and innovative research and its implications for future research on gangs. The authors challenge scholars to explore and incorporate innovative theoretical and methodological practices into their study of youth gangs. Using these new approaches will not only address some of the criticisms of gang research but will also assist in the accumulation of knowledge. This book represents a significant contribution to contemporary gang research and will be a useful resource for both students and researchers. * Criminal Justice Review, September 2009 * This book contains an intriguing collection of new research on youth gangs. The field is privileged to receive a vintage Jim Short contribution. With new, seminal research on youth gangs, this book illuminates their structure and dynamics in far more richness than any other volume. -- James C. Howell, Senior Research Associate, National Youth Gang Center
