W. E. B. Du Bois on Crime and Justice: Laying the Foundations of Sociological Criminology

This is the first book to discern the contribution of Du Bois’ work to criminology and criminal justice through a comprehensive review of his papers, articles and books. Beginning with reflections from his childhood, the author traces Du Bois’ ideas on crime and justice throughout his life. This includes a unique analysis of Du Bois’ experience as an object of the criminal justice system, a review of his FBI file, his 1951 trial and his pioneering social scientific research program at Atlanta University. The book illustrates the depth of Du Bois’ interest in the field and reveals how he was a pioneer in key areas of criminology and criminal justice. The book contains five appendices which include four original papers written by Du Bois as well as maps from The Philadelphia Negro.