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A Delinquent Boy's Own Story - Simon - 11-24-2025
Shaw, Clifford R. - The Jack-Roller: A Delinquent Boy's Own Story (First published 1930)
The Jack-Roller tells the story of Stanley, a pseudonym Clifford Shaw gave to his informant and co-author, Michael Peter Majer. Stanley was sixteen years old when Shaw met him in 1923 and had recently been released from the Illinois State Reformatory at Pontiac, after serving a one-year sentence for burglary and jack-rolling (mugging), Vivid, authentic, this is the autobiography of a delinquent — his experiences, influences, attitudes, and values. The Jack-Roller helped to establish the life-history or "own story" as an important instrument of sociological research. The book remains as relevant today to the study and treatment of juvenile delinquency and maladjustment as it was when originally published in 1930.
Quote: I am pleased to be able to recommend a title.
I am often relatively harsh but honest in my reviews. Although rather dated and limited in scope and application, this title nonetheless is a classic and an eyeopener to juvenile and delinquent behavioral patterns in Chicago during the 1920s and 1930s.
The story of "Stanley" presumably a pseudonym, is an outstanding "own story" of a sad and wayward youth. Yet this non-fiction has a happier ending than we might first imagine when encountering the protagonist as he fights his way against real and imagined adversity to achieve at least some semblance of social adaptation.
What is unique about this story is that it is very readable and at the same time a sociological study into the world of juvenile delinquency and the possibilities of redemption.
This is a good read on its own, or as complementary research for anyone interested in sociology, criminology, or penology. There is a strong emphasis on the Social structural approach--that is social ecology and its impact on the individual. This is only normal since the Chicago school was really the theoretical heartbeat of this criminological perspective.
I won't destroy it for you, but I sincerely enjoyed this title. If there is one criticism it is the rather redundant nature of the theoretical assertions of Clifford Shaw, who was otherwise an excellent scholar.
This story combines an interesting history with active learning. A great combination,Enjoy!
Enjoy!