It is the only textbook that match a particualr theory with an academic article that empirical examined that theory.
This is arguably one of the best books in print for undergraduate criminology. It combines an easy to read text format with a seminal/peer-reviewed article component. The former informs students in various theories while the later helps prepare the the student read critically...a skill necessary for graduate school.
I like the combination of traditional text and edited research articles.
This book was deemed to complex for level 3 students. i have adopted particular chapters, those concerning social theories, for level 5 students.