Book excerpt: "As a good encyclopedia does, the Encyclopedia of Murder and Violent Crime brings together articles that offer diverse insights into the topic, while at the same time giving the reader a feel for its overall scope." --AGAINST THE GRAIN This comprehensive single-volume encyclopedia contains a wealth of material on killing and other violent behavior, as well as detailed information on a host of criminal cases from local decisions to Supreme Court rulings. The Encyclopedia of Murder and Violent Crime includes nearly 500 entries that range from Antisocial Personality Disorder and the Beltway Snipers to the infamous Zodiac Murders. Entries take several formats, including: substantial essays on criminal terms, pathologies, and criminal justice concise case studies of serial murderers, infamous crimes, and their investigations relatively brief definitions of relevant legal and criminological terms. The Encyclopedia is written by an impressive group of contributors, many leading experts in their fields of criminology, criminal justice, and more. Extra features such as a handy, easy-to-use Reader's Guide, a lavish art program of approximately 50 photographs, and several appendixes enhance and complete the volume. This valuable reference is designed for academic, school, public, and special/private libraries as well as criminal justice agencies.