History of the Guillotine/01871201

by Kershaw

Book by KERSHAW, AlLister.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just realized I started this book nine months ago 😳 it was so bad that it took me this long to finish! It’s not even 200 pages or just a little over, but the book was so dry, and dull, and the author is pompous! He is I swear, he treats the reader as if they are beneath him. He started this book with a co-author, but then they decide they are really writing two different books so they part ways and he basically talks down about his buddy’s book and everyone else from then on.

I had to give it two stars because even though it was dull (to the point you want a guillotine to finish you off!) I did learn a lot about the history and design of the guillotine.

[Frank · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written history of the infamous Guillotine. The development of the instrument itself is covered in great detail. Included is the history of a number of French executing families who provided executioners from Father to Son over hundreds of years. Also provides insight into the exclusion of the executioners from most social interactions within their Community as well as from other forms of gainful employment that they may have sought. The result being the executioners and their families were only able to socialize with others within their profession. In addition, the children of executioners desiring to marry were for the most part, limited to the eligible children of other executioners. An interesting read.