Curious Punishments of Bygone Days
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
"Curious Punishments of Bygone Days" is a fascinating exploration of the antiquated and often bizarre legal penalties used in the American colonies and early modern England. Alice Morse Earle provides a detailed historical account of the various methods of public shaming and physical discipline that were once staples of the justice system.
From the ducking stool and the stocks to the pillory and the whipping post, Earle meticulously documents the social and legal context of these punishments. The book examines not only the mechanics of the penalties themselves but also the cultural attitudes that supported such visible displays of justice. Readers will find insightful chapters on subjects such as "The Bilboes," "The Branding and Maiming," and the use of the "Scarlet Letter," offering a unique window into a time when law enforcement was inextricably linked with community humiliation.
This work serves as an invaluable resource for those interested in social history, criminology, and the evolution of the legal system, capturing the grim yet intriguing customs that defined the bygone days of early American life.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Customer Reviews
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
