Familiar though they are in literature, religion and philosophy, the phenomena of remorse and reparation are rarely explored in either the theory or practice of forensic psychotherapy. This book begins to address those omissions, dealing with clinical and legal questions and ranging widely over political, philosophical, sociological and artistic perspectives.

In Part One, Gilligan dares the reader not to be prejudicial and complacent about guilt and remorse by making a clear distinction between them. ‘Guilt’ appears before the action, and remorse is experienced after it, hence guilty feelings may prevent the acting-out of hostile tendencies.

Part Two contains interesting insights into the judicial system at work. Harding deals explicitly with the view, implicit throughout the book, that sometimes prisons produce far more violence in offenders by the end of their sentences than at the start. Harding also explores the schemes that produce a different kind of experience and a different kind of effect on the offenders. Currently, the Department of Health cites the Henderson Hospital and Grendon Prison as suitable places for the treatment of severe personality disorders, even though the number of these places is still a long way from ideal.

Palmer writes interestingly on how the presence or absence of remorse could work as a mitigating factor in verdicts and sentencing. On the one hand, an apparent lack of remorse can be an aggravating factor in the minds of a jury. On the other, even if the offender expresses remorse, the judge has then to decide whether or not it is genuine.

Part Three shows conclusively that if forensic psychotherapy is to tackle its task effectively, it will need the help of other disciplines, not necessarily within the medical model.

Remorse and Reparation is very much the expression of Murray Cox's particular, and unique, talent. He would have been proud of this, his last book, even though he did not live long enough to supervise its publication. Murray has brought together authors from different disciplines to convey a myriad of views. Although occasionally contradictory, the impacts of original insights presented from several different perspectives can be stunning. This book will be a valuable addition to the literature of any forensic institution.