Proximity to Death

by William S. McFeely

"A remarkable book―part historical tract, part political manifesto―that examines one of the most bitter issues of contemporary life."― Boston Globe On a misty September morning in rural Georgia, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian found himself cast in a role that he had never imagined for himself: an expert witness in the sentencing trial of a convicted kidnapper, rapist, and murderer. His brief testimony that day would ultimately lead him on a personal journey into the criminal justice system, to confront the actions and decisions of lawyers battling for and against the death penalty, convicts whose lives are at stake, and jurors forced to decide who shall live and who shall die.

Genres: Politics, Crime

208 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

Reviews

[Fred Blankenship]

Makes you take a different look at Capital Punishment which most Americans favor even though all other so called civilized countries have abolished it. Great story.

[April]

I'm not sure how the author can live with himself. History is not an excuse for rape and murder.

[Stacy]

I'm not sure what to say about this one - it felt a little disorganized, a little rushed for such a heavy topic, but overall it was insightful. It is also the only book I am aware of that glimpses into the workings of Stephen Bright - a prominent anti-death penalty lawyer. Fans of his will find additional value in this book.

[Sara]

This is one of two books written about my organization, the Southern Center for Human Rights. I'm rereading it in honor of Steve Bright's 30th anniversary this month.