A highly useful book on vigilantism. Although the main focus is on the American tradition of vigilantism, it also provides a broad discussion and examples of this global phenomenon.

Tore Bjørgo, University of Oslo; director, Center for Research on Extremism; and co-editor of Vigilantism against Migrants and Minorities

Taimi Castle and Benjamin Meade’s Vigilantes: Extralegal Justice, Social Control, and Violence will challenge and expand the way you think about vigilantism. Global in scope yet capturing the particular aspects of American culture that drive public imagination about vigilantism, this book carefully situates the concept of vigilantism in relation to the state. In particular, the authors scrupulously consider the extralegal nature of vigilantism, state complicity, and the tendency of group vigilantism to target the disadvantaged as a means to reinforce and maintain structural inequalities.

Nickie Phillips, St. Francis College, co-author of Comic Book Crime: Truth, Justice, and the American Way and author of Beyond Blurred Lines: Rape Culture in Popular Media

Castle and Meade offer an informative overview of vigilantism that is embedded in history, politics, and popular culture. Vigilantes's timely and critical approach will enable readers to better understand the appeal and impact of extralegal justice-seeking.

Daniel Trottier, Erasmus University Rotterdam; co-author of Digital Media, Denunciation and Shaming: The Court of Public Opinion