Synopses & Reviews
This monograph by a professional thief—with the aid of Edwin H. Sutherland's expert comments and analyses—is a revealing sociological document that goes far to explain the genesis, development, and patterns of criminal behavior. "Chic Conwell," as the author was known in the underworld, gives a candid and forthright account of the highly organized society in which the professional thief lives. He tells how he learned to steal, survive, succeed, and ultimately to pay his debt to society and prepare himself for full and useful citizenship.
The Professional Thief presents in amazing detail the hard, cold facts about the private lives and professional habits of pickpockets, shoplifters, and conmen, and brings into focus the essential psychological and sociological situations that beget and support professional crime.
Synopsis
Annotated and interpreted by Edwin Hardin Sutherland
Table of Contents
Part I. The Professional Thief, Written by a Professional Thief and Annotated by Edwin H. Sutherland
I. The Profession
II. The Mob
III. The Rackets
IV. the Fix
V. The Thief and the Law
VI. Stealing as a Business
VII. The Social and Personal Life of the Thief
VIII. The Thief and Society
Part II. Interpretation and Conclusion
IX. Interpretation
X. Conclusion
Glossary
Bibliography
Index