Policing the City: Boston, 1822-1885 [Paperback] Roger Lane

Description

1975 Athenum Publishing edition. Paperback cover has some creasing and slight fading. First 46 pages have some light liquid wear in bottom right corner and some underlining. The pages are otherwise clean and in good condition. The binding is secure.

This well-worn copy of “Policing the City: Boston, 1822-1885” by Roger Lane offers a fascinating glimpse into the early history of law enforcement in one of America’s oldest and most storied cities. Published in 1975, Lane’s groundbreaking work draws upon extensive archival research to trace the evolution of policing in Boston from its informal beginnings as a night watch system to the professionalized force that emerged in the late 19th century. Along the way, the book illuminates the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped crime control efforts, shedding light on issues of class, race, and urban development that continue to resonate today. This copy’s underlined passages and marginal notes from a previous reader provide a tantalizing glimpse into the thoughts and reactions of someone deeply engaged with Lane’s narrative, adding an extra layer of interest for collectors and scholars alike.