This book is an informed and informative resource for understanding the reasons for and consequences of mass shootings in America. It includes essays from experts in the fields of criminal justice, sociology, and psychology about key issues surrounding the phenomenon of mass shootings and a collection of opinion pieces that provide insights into debates surrounding gun laws and other issues related to mass shootings. The title also features an encyclopedia section containing entries on every mass shooting in the United States from 1966 to 2016 and a collection of illuminating and historically important primary documents pertaining to mass shooting events and the broader problem of violence in America. Accessible, authoritative, and comprehensive, this book is for budding scholars, seasoned researchers, and members of the general public, to provide a better understanding of mass shootings and their causes as well as steps that might be taken to reduce their severity and frequency.