A superbly targeted resource for those learning about serial killings. Serial Killers and the Phenomenon of Serial Murder examines and analyses some of the best known (as well as lesser) cases from English criminal history, ancient and modern. It looks at the lifestyles, backgrounds and activities of those who become serial killers and identifies clear categories of individuals into which most serial killers fall. Led by Professor David Wilson the authors are all experts and teachers concerning the ever-intriguing subject of serial killing: why, when and how it happens and whether it can be predicted. Taking some of the leading cases from English law and abroad they demonstrate the patterns that emerge in the lives and backgrounds of those who kill a number of times over a period. The book is designed for those studying the topic at advanced level, whether as an academic discipline on one of the many courses now run by universities and colleges or as a private quest for understanding. It contains notes on key terms and explanations of topics such as co-activation, Munchausen syndrome, cooling-off period, psychopathy checklist, social construction, case linkage, family annihilation, activity space, rational choice theory, medicalisation and rendezvous discipline. As the first textbook of its kind it will be an invaluable resource for teachers and students of serious crime.

本作は単なる犯罪記録の羅列に留まらず、人間の深淵に潜む悪の構造を緻密な学術的視点から解剖した至高の一冊です。ウィルソン教授らによる鋭い分析は、加害者の行動を冷徹に分類する一方で、社会が怪物を見落とす背景など、我々の世界の脆弱性を鮮烈に浮き彫りにします。 特筆すべきは、理論の背後に揺らめく文学的なまでの人間洞察です。冷淡な用語が織りなす知の体系は、読者の好奇心を激しく刺激し、犯罪を単なる悲劇ではなく、多角的に解明すべき「現象」として捉え直す新たな地平を提示します。悪の深淵を覗く覚悟のある者にとって、これほど知的な興奮に満ちた導き書はありません。