Synopses & Reviews
... an original study of an exciting, often shocking body of material. -- Jan H. Brunvand
... particularly valuable addition to the urban folklore literature... -- Contemporary Sociology
Crime Victim Stories provides the reader with a fascinating account of the way in which New York urbanites relate their experiences and perceptions of violent crime. -- Urban Studies
Wachs brings scholarship to identifying the components, functions, exaggeration, style and folklore context in this pioneering field-study... -- Come-All-Ye
This is a true example of urban folklore scholarship, dealing with tales and themes (such as muggings, burglaries, and handicapped victims) from the most urban of urban centers, New York City.