Book Reviews

 

We read an awful lot of books on many a sordid subject. Call it an occupational hazard. One week we'll be reading about execution etiquette in the Tower of London, the next week it's off to ancient Rome and trying to figure out exactly how many times someone was stabbed. And when we're not actually doing research, our recreational reading selections seem to be a bit odd as well.

So this is where we've jotted down our thoughts about the various books we pick up on subjects we thought people who like our website might be interested in. Many deal with history and historical death, while others are just chocked full of good old-fashioned gallows humor.

We also have a little book store on line where you can purchase reading material on a great many historical and criminal subjects: VIOLENCE IN HISTORY BOOK SHOP

 

BOOK IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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Executioner: The Chronicles of James Berry, Hangman.

Written by Stewart P. Evans

The life and times of a Victorian hangman, this book follows James Berry through his early years and into his service first as a law enforcement official and ultimately as an executioner.  Excerpts are taken from Berry's journal, recounting many executions and a few humorous stories about dealing with the public while traveling to a job.

Reviewed by Shiva Rodriguez.