First published in 1973, this book offers a fascinating and systematic description of the debt-collection process in 1970s England. Basing his research on the words of creditors, debtors, solicitors and debt-collectors, Paul Rock’s research was conducted when imprisonment for debt was still in existence. The book covers the major stages in a defaulter’s career, from enforcement by his creditors and the work of the debt-collector, through the various processes of the law, often to a period of imprisonment. Particular attention is given to the attempts made by debt-collectors to manage an unusual form of deviance and the consequences of their actions.
Preface 1. Organizing perspectives 2. Entering the career 3. Enforcement by creditors 4. The debt-collector 5. The solicitor 6. The county court 7. Execution 8. The judgement summons hearing and committal orders 9. The bailiff’s ‘working personality’ 10. The prison 11. The debtor as inmate 12. Typifications of debtors 13. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index
Biography
Paul Rock