Taylor has a particular interest in criminology. He was one of the founder members of the National Deviancy Conference. As a popular author writing on the media and fame, he has published widely in criminology. Perhaps his best-known early work was the book co-written with Stanley Cohen: "Escape Attempts: The Theory and Practice of Resistance to Everyday Life". The book arose from research into the wellbeing of long-term prisoners. He has collaborated with bank robber turned author, John McVicar, on research.