FROM the ancient world to the present time, man has imposed his will on others to punish or control. Here, in gruesome detail, the author takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of pain – from amputation to zero tolerance.
This is compelling social history providing a wealth of weird folklore, such as the power of the hanged man’s hand; astounding tales, like Mary Hamilton, the cross-dressing 14-times bigamist; and more recent outrages, such as the use of squassation at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.
Man’s inhumanity to man continues, tragically, to know no bounds, yet the survivors’ tales are heroic and legion. Far from gory sensationalism, this book is a well researched and illustrated. It is both fount of macabre knowledge and a document detailing utmost cruelty and originality. Guaranteed to shock and entertain in equal measure.
CHRIS BURGESS
