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.

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