The Spectacle of Suffering: Executions and the Evolution of Repression: From a Preindustrial metropolis to the European Experience - Softcover

Spierenburg, Pieter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521089646 ISBN 13: 9780521089647

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2009

Synopsis

Present-day unease about the treatment of lawbreakers has deep historical roots. Pieter Spierenburg traces the long period of evolution that gave rise to the modern debate about punishment, and relates it to the development of Western European society. He argues that two elements, the public character of punishment and its infliction of physical suffering, were originally at the heart of the penal system. From the sixteenth century onwards, however, these elements began to decline. Spierenburg explains that this development reflected a wider change of attitudes which, in turn, was related to changes in society at large. The book deals successively with each of the parties involved in public executions: the hangman, the magistrates, the crowd, and the victim. Among the themes dicussed are the infamous reputation of the excutioner, the functions of ceremonial, and the social background of those about to suffer.

About this title

Book Description

Present-day unease about the treatment of lawbreakers has deep historical roots. Pieter Spierenburg traces the long period of evolution that gave rise to the modern debate about punishment, and relates it to the development of Western European society. He argues that two elements, the public character of punishment and its infliction of physical suffering, were originally at the heart of the penal system.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0521089646
• ISBN 13: 9780521089647
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 288