Guillotine : The Timbers of Justice

By Robert Frederick Opie

Book Overview

Robert Frederick Opie takes us on a fascinating and sometimes terrifying journey tracing the development of the guillotine over nearly two centuries, recounting the stories of famous executions, and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0750930349
• ISBN13: 9780750930345
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Sutton
• Weight: 1.14 lbs.

Customer Reviews

The Biography of a Death Machine

The story of the guillotine is well told in this fascinating book that spans about two centuries - from the French Revolution to the second half of the twentieth century. In an effort to make his tale as complete as possible, the author has tried to cover every aspect of this macabre instrument, including: its invention (it wasn't Dr. Guillotin), its construction, the reason for its selection in France to carry out death sentences, its extensive use in that country, its customers - their preparation and the disposal of their bodies, its servants (the executioners) and public perception of them, etc. Also included is a captivating chapter in which the author discusses various efforts/experiments over the years to determine whether death by guillotine really is instantaneous or whether consciousness lingers for a while in the severed head. The writing style is clear, very accessible and quite engaging. Although it contains some descriptions that can be a bit but not overly gory, this book can be enjoyed by anyone; but history buffs may relish it the most.

Certainly worth the read for those interested in the topic

Certainly worth the read for those interested in the topic.

WONDERFUL---VIVID AND MESMERIZING !!!!

This is a extraordinary book about a fascinating subject. It actually reads more like an exciting novel than the dry academic history book that it could have been . Rather, it offers the reader not only a thorough history of the macabre Guillotine, it is as well, rich in obscure details and fascinating bits of information . I found it riveting and I could not put it down. Reading this book, one begins gradually to experience the eerie feeling that the Guillotin, more than just being a formidable object, a death machine that one is reading about, rather is slowly becoming much more---almost an ENTITY ---a PRESENCE in ITSELF! The Guillotine, looming over all those who surrendered to it, operated it and who have been touched by it, remains to this day an undeniable icon of nightmarish fascination and (strangely, somehow),inspiration. Robert Opie has done a masterful job and captures this fascinating subject with skill and aplomb. There is even a complete detailed description of the modern Guillotine, its mechanics and how it is assembled. The amazing collection of 25 photographs is outstanding and completes what truly is, a most satisfying, intriguing and beautifully turned out book. Bravo!

THE COMPLETE GUILLOTINE

Of all the books that have been written over the years on the French "National Razor" this is certainly the most accessible of the lot; a neat distillation that includes all the relevant history included in previous tomes as well as much information that is new. Anyone looking for a concise, thoughtful and well-written book on this grim and esoteric subject need look no further. Author Robert Frederick Opie includes everything except a set of blueprints on how to build your own home model (which, oddly enough, can be found on the internet!).