Conceived in Liberty is a cultural, sociological and geopolitical review of the uniquely American notion that the country and its people are “exceptional.” While all nations have their own patriotic commitments, no other people have outwardly declared their power as vigorously as have Americans, especially since World War II. John J. Tierney, Jr. advances the idea that liberty is the singular source of the power of the American worldview and all other elements of this society—equality, patience, charity, justice, etc.—are derived from liberty. He argues that this worldview comes from this one source and is responsible for the many movements that may engage the public’s interest, such as women’s rights, civil rights, and voting rights. Such movements are all positive, but they could not exist in a society devoid of liberty. Conceived in Liberty also traces other main components of the American worldview: geographic expanse, immigration, energy of the populace, diversity, public policies, and the elements that contribute to exceptionalism. Tierney is not blind to some of the deficiencies of the United States, but he posits that the liberty it manifests is truly the political globe’s last, best hope.

This book is an invaluable reference for those new to the field of criminology, who are looking for a clear outline of the major perspectives and traditions found in criminology. The author has outlined the ideas, concepts and traditions of the key theoretical perspectives that drive contemporary debate. Topics discussed include: Anomie theory Classical criminology Critical criminology Labelling theory Positivism Post-modernism Subcultural theory Key Perspectives in Criminology is not simply a dictionary of criminology, but a welcome introduction for those with a genuine interest in the terms, concepts, themes and debates in the field.