Caught: The Prison State and the Lockdown of American Politics

"This is the most comprehensive, synthetic, and compelling account of what is driving penal trends in America today. For contemporary scholars and activists, "Caught" is certain to become a common starting point for future debates about what direction policy reform and social activism should take."--Jonathan Simon, author of "Governing through Crime: How the War on Crime Transformed American Democracy and Created a Culture of Fear"

"[A]cademic but accessible, and it has an urgency to it. . . . A needed cry for justice."--"Kirkus Reviews"

"This is a brilliantly framed, intellectually courageous analysis of a pivotal and problematic period in American criminal justice history. Gottschalk offers unique and penetrating insights into the complex forces that led to the creation of our nation's massive carceral state. Her research is meticulous, the scope of her vision is sweeping, and her criticism is unflinching. Absolutely essential reading for understanding this profound transformation of American society."--Craig W. Haney, University of California, Santa Cruz

"Gottschalk's book is a tour de force. "Caught" constitutes a searing critique of current incarceration policies and prevailing approaches to prison reform. It is brilliantly argued, breathtakingly capacious in its informational reach, and intellectually bold. A stunning achievement."--Mary Fainsod Katzenstein, Cornell University

"In this pathbreaking and meticulous book, Gottschalk traces the rapid development of highly targeted mass imprisonment since the early 1970s. Drawing links between the prison buildup and a range of policies that have increased state control and surveillance beyond the prison, "Caught" sheds new light on the relationship between criminal justice and the ideological shape, material conditions, and institutional structure of the broader political economy."--Nicola Lacey, London School of Economics

""Caught" makes clear that we have totally underestimated just how devastating an impact today's massive carceral state has had on our nation, and shines much-needed light on why it has been so immune to attempts at reform. Most importantly, this book offers vital new perspective on what it actually will take to unmake this criminal justice crisis."--Heather Ann Thompson, University of Michigan