Windows into the Soul – Surveillance and Society in an Age of High Technology Paperback – Import, 12 July 2016

Professor Marx's magisterial study of the role of surveillance in society is not just an epic contribution to the sociological literature but a useful tutorial for criminal justice practitioners. Those of us with careers in criminal justice have watched the creeping role that advances in surveillance technology have played , in "looking in" on suspects and, later, tracking offenders under correctional supervision. Marx's waterfront-style coverage of the frequently unnoticed ethical and professional dilemmas embedded in the growing use of surveillance provides a useful antidote to the reflexive use of ever more intrusive devices. Reading "Windows" will inform and guide all cj officials who want to exploit technology's help while keeping in mind its real potential to be a double-edged sword.Ron Corbett ( former probation official)U Mass Lowell

Gary T. Marx's latest book "Windows into the Soul" is a treasure, -- a joyful, entertaining sociological work reflecting a lifetime of study. It brings wisdom, experience, enthusiasm and humor to complex issues affecting everyone. The book is useful and fun to read, containing provocative chapters such as those on work monitoring ("The Omniscient Organization") and national security/law enforcement ("Rocky Bottoms"). Furthermore, it makes great use of images and music to illustrate how we experience surveillance through popular culture. This is a book for the general reader as well as the specialist.Minas Samatas, author of "Surveillance in Greece"

This book was a fantastic blend of hypothetical situations and crisp, analytical frameworks for how we understand surveillance today. Marx writes in a clear and concise fashions that traces the rise and continuity of surveillance studies alongside its cardinal trappings. One major shortcoming, though, is that Marx emphasizes that we must understand how social structures contextualize and reinforce particular systems of surveillance. But then, he will go on to claim that a civilian recording police officers balances power! One needs to only think of cases like Eric Garner to see that recording those in power is not enough to turn the tide of domination and social control. Marx attempts to herald social structure but falls short of articulating, or showing recognition of, its underpinnings.