This book investigates the complex relationship between crime and the mechanisms of social control in medieval England. Drawing on extensive archival research, Hanawalt examines how various social strata, from peasants to nobles, experienced and responded to criminal activity, and how institutions like the courts and the church attempted to maintain order.

Barbara Hanawalt's work is recognized for its meticulous research and insightful analysis of medieval social structures. Scholars often cite her contributions to understanding the realities of daily life and the administration of justice in the High Middle Ages. The book is valued for its detailed examination of primary sources, offering a nuanced perspective on how medieval societies managed deviance and enforced norms.