Book excerpt: First Published in 1939, The Dilemma of Penal Reform presents Hermann Mannheim’s discussion on the impact of economic, social, and legal factors on methods of punishment. Set against the background of author’s wide knowledge in German, French, American and Soviet penal methods, the volume brings comparative analysis to address the question, whether it is possible to combine the old practice of making life inside prison less attractive than outside with the outlook aiming at the regeneration of prisoners, and to reconcile the stigma connected with a fair chance of rehabilitation. It also examines the conflict between the requirement of modern penology and some traditional principles of criminal procedure specially for the juvenile courts. One of the pioneering works in the history of Penal Reform, this book will be of interest to scholars and researchers of legal history, law, sociology, and social work.