THE BOOK OF ASSASSINS A Biographical Dictionary From Ancient Times to the Present

Fetherling (George) & Martin (Christopher) Research Assoc.

ISBN 10: 0471158917 / ISBN 13: 9780471158912

Published by John Wiley & Sons, 2001

About this Item

Hardback. Previously pub. in Canada by Random House as 'A Biographical Dictionary of the World's Assassins'. A biographical dictionary chronicling over 200 assassins from ancient times to the present. Spanning diverse eras and regions, it features well-known figures like John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald alongside lesser-known killers, such as Carlito Dimahilig, who attacked Imelda Marcos. The author explores their motives power, revenge, ideology while debunking myths with historical rigor. The book includes an overview of assassination s evolution, five assassin archetypes, and victim index, blending trivia with insight for true-crime enthusiasts and historians seeking a vivid, concise compendium. With Assassins A-Z and Index of Victims. 391pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. With tiny label to fpd o/w F. in Nr. F. dw. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage if shipped overseas.

Seller Inventory # 20429

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE BOOK OF ASSASSINS A Biographical Dictionary From Ancient Times to the Present
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Publication Date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0471158917
• ISBN 13: 9780471158912
• Binding: Hardcover / Hardback
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Terrorism/Assassination/Espionage

About this title

Synopsis

ASSASSIN TRIVIA

Julius Caesar’s assassination may have been patricide. His last words were not "Et tu Brute," as Shakespeare suggests, but "kai su teknon"–Greek for "You too, my child." These words were particularly appropriate when one considers the rumors that surrounded Brutus’s paternity (see BRUTUS).

Perhaps the most unusual weapon ever used in an assassination attempt was the "infernal machine." The device was composed of twenty-five rifles that could be fired simultaneously by a single trigger. Ironically, the would-be assassin’s intended victim walked away unhurt, while most of those crowded around him did not (see FIESCHI).

When a hunchbacked dwarf fired a shot at Queen Victoria, London police arrested every hunchbacked dwarf in the capital until they found the right one (see BEAN).

Rigoberto López not only shot and killed Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza but also anonymously won a newspaper contest for the best poem eulogizing the dead leader (see LÓPEZ).

President Andrew Jackson survived two attempted assassinations on the same day. When his hapless attacker’s pistol misfired, he drew a second pistol–which also misfired. Jackson beat the man with his cane until help arrived (see LAWRENCE).

About the Author

GEORGE FETHERLING is the author of fifty books. A former literary editor at the Toronto Star and a regular columnist and book reviewer, Mr. Fetherling lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.