The Faber Book of Murder

Book Overview

Murder has fascinated great artists and intellectuals, and inspired many of the finest writers to their most memorable performances. This anthology encompasses some of the murkier and more gruesome... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571174949
• ISBN13: 9780571174942
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.3" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Murder Most Fascinating

There is something blood-curdling in an alphabetic compilation of sanguineous tales of gore. It is all here, in great detail - the sights and smells and sounds of murder most foul. The contrast between this work of love and its contents is bordering on the insane. The horror and revulsion are mixed with irresistible fascination. This tome is addictive - but not for the squeamish. Perhaps both death and life are essentially the same. Perhaps murder is the usurpation of God's power, a rebellion against our own mortality and helplessness. The breadth of this study of human nature is compelling - from medieval ballads to twentieth century lore. Murder seems to have pre-occupied every author, everywhere, in every period. It is a testament to our atavistic nature, so thinly hidden beneath the oft-cracking veneer of civilization. I live in the Balkan, I was born in the Middle East, I have worked in Africa. This book strikes me as an indispensable tourist guide to these places - where pretension has vanished and the human animal has emerged to prey. And to murder. Sam Vaknin, author of 'Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited'.