Author Description

"An excellent and valuable study." --The Journal of Southern History. "This book offers a number of compelling and even original theories....It is also exceptionally well written."--Louisiana History. "An elegantly designed study, original and persuasive."--Kirkus Reviews. This book explores the major elements of Southern crime and punishment at a time that saw the formation of the fundamental patterns of class and race that have long shaped American crime and justice. Ayers studies the inner workings of the police, prison, and judicial systems, and the nature of crime during the period.