Devilry, Deviance, and Public Sphere

“Christopher Hamerton has made an important contribution to our understanding of both moral panic theory, and the historiography of crime and deviance. He has placed a spotlight on a theoretical tool that has become blunted by imprecise and lazy use, and is often wielded by practitioners who are unacquainted with the complexity of both actual social deviance and social theory. By showing the reader how the moral crises of earlier centuries can impact on our understanding of contemporary society Hamerton has revitalised the complex concept of moral panic. Stan Cohen would have been impressed.”

Professor Dick Hobbs, University of Essex, UK 

“This is a rare book, one which combines the skilful evaluation of complex theory and rigorous historical research in a sophisticated but accessible form. The highly detailed and insightful case studies take you right into the heart of eighteenth-century London, with the moral panics of the past resonating with those of the present. A stimulating, thought-provoking, and highly recommended read.”       

— Professor Julia Davidson, OBE, University of East London, UK 

 “A very timely and much needed contribution, shedding fresh light on Stanley Cohen’s ‘moral panic’ theory. Christopher Hamerton’s outstanding examination of the historical roots of the concept allows it to be applied to contemporary contexts to better understand social and historical phenomena. This book should be widely read across the social sciences and humanities.  It will be on my students’ reading lists, and should be marked for inclusion on many others.”

Dr Mark Ramsden, University of Cambridge, UK

“Devilry, Deviance and Public Sphere provides an authoritative evaluation of the likely historical source of the widely used concept of moral panic first made famous by Stan Cohen over fifty years ago. Indeed, I am sure Stan would be delighted to see such a scholarly treatment of his theory. Within this meticulously researched book, Georgian London jumps from the pages as a city of chatter, chaos, and horror — the perfect place for folk devils to emerge and exist. Hamerton has provided an exemplary interdisciplinary guide for both criminologists and historians. This book should be essential reading for anyone interested in augmenting their knowledge of both social theory and social history.”    

— Dr Anne Brunton, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK

 

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