Introduction

Abstract

This chapter introduces the book. It outlines the intention of the book to take a fresh look at the work of Colin Sumner, placing it in its disciplinary and wider social context. The sometimes divisive and controversial nature of Sumner’s work is noted, and it is suggested that despite being a distinctive and important thinker who has produced works of great theoretical sophistication, his influence in criminology has not been as great as it might have been. It is suggested that Sumner’s work has involved a gradually deepening understanding of his core notion of ideological censure, which has given his career a remarkable consistency and clarity of purpose. An outline of the book is provided, and it is noted that the book will refer extensively to original sources, chiefly in order to act as a corrective to some of the misconceptions that abound about Sumner’s work.

Sometime after the year 2000, a young criminologist will provide a biographical account of Colin Sumner’s contribution to critical criminology during his sojourn at the Cambridge Institute. Several dozen students […] from the UK and from other countries have now passed through postgraduate studies which were exceptionally informed by his presence.

—Brogden (1993: 304)