“Because it is often regarded as ‘un-Christian’ revenge has acquired a bad name.  In this incisive analysis, Thane Rosenbaum argues that revenge is a hunger in most injured hearts and the very fundament of our idea of justice. This is a compelling and provocative book, immensely valuable both for its close reasoning and its honesty.”

Scott Turow

“This erudite book, which combines the history of our criminal justice system with the most recent headline crime news, is bound to create political and legal controversy because it challenges the sacred cow maintaining that there is no place for revenge, or retribution, in our legal system. Thane Rosenbaum argues persuasively that criminal justice must acknowledge retributive needs if it is to work effectively. Many, including me, will disagree with some of his ideas—especially his contention that victims should have a much larger role in determining the ultimate penalties for those convicted of crimes. But these are vital questions, too often unexamined, and this is a book that opens a much-needed public dialogue.”

Susan Jacoby, author of Wild Justice: The Evolution of Revenge

"Thane Rosenbaum convincingly argues for knocking down the false distinction between justice and revenge, for rescuing revenge from its taboo status."

Washington Post

“Revenge is seldom discussed with seriousness when looking at various formats for the delivery of justice. . . . But it does need to be examined, as Thane Rosenbaum shows in this wide-ranging consideration of revenge as a cultural phenomenon. He specifically targets the comfortable fiction, relied on by so many experts and politicians, that civilized adults can and should rise above such emotions. . . . One of its strengths is its multidisciplinarity, drawing ideas from life, science, literature and history to reflect on recent crimes that have caused real moral dilemmas and perceived failures in justice delivery. It will be recommended reading on quite a few book lists because of this. . . . Payback is worth reading, even if only to disagree with it.”

Times Higher Education

"One of our most original and compelling thinkers about the law and its limitations, Thane Rosenbaum takes on the theme whose name dare not be spoken in polite circles: revenge. With his singular panache and mastery of sources from Supreme Court cases to popular culture to--gasp--life itself, Rosenbaum takes us on a substantive and stylistic tour de force that leads to the ’shocking’ conclusion that if the law won’t set things right, which it so often fails to do, then it is okay, indeed moral, for us to do so ourselves."

Daniel Jonah Goldhagen, author of Hitler's Willing Executioners

“In this brilliant book, Thane Rosenbaum finds language for what all of us, at one time or another, have felt in our bones—that there is a law higher than those made by legislatures or courts; and that, when evil appears among us, an appropriate response is the oldest: revenge. Independent thinking at its best, Rosenbaum’s fiercely argued text dares to speak truth to cowardice and calls us to understand and accommodate the demand that a punishment fit the crime and that the score be settled in the Chicago Way.”

Rich Cohen, author of The Avengers

"With extensive references to popular culture, literary sources, academic studies, contemporary news events, and actual case law, Thane Rosenbaum develops his arguments and challenges readers to consider vengeance as a moral right and a cure for what ails the current system. He makes a difficult topic accessible and succeeds in asking questions that deserve consideration. Recommended.”

Library Journal

“The book’s disturbing theme is that revenge is an important aspect of justice and should be more prominent in American jurisprudence. Readers may initially be repelled, but Rosenbaum asks them to stick with the book long enough to consider what it would mean if revenge, visceral and personal, were incorporated into the judicial process. . . . The book is cross-cultural, even handed, well sourced. . . and bound to spark heated discussions. Essential.”

Choice