The mechanics of execution I read this book after seeing the film starring Timothy Spall. My motive was to understand how someone lives with the fact that they regularly take the life of other people, albeit legally. This autobiography provides some insight into the reasons why Albert Pierrepoint took up his trade, but not so much about the effects on his mind. He begins with an account of his early life, the realisation that both his father and his Uncle Tom were executioners, his father's proud statement that one day his son... more info
More history than horror I must have bought four copies of this as it gets borrowed and never comes back! Albert Pierrepoint was the last in a dynasty of executioners. As such he wrote a book that is a record of his early life and immediate family history that is couched in the language of the working class man who considers himself the upholder of dignity and standards. This comes across strongly in his references to his work. Albert was very much a man of his time and considered executioner to be a post which carried a great... more info
Absolutely Fascinating I'm too young to remember when the death sentence was legal in the UK, but was intrigued how a civilised society could condone such a extreme penalty. Although this book focuses primarily on the process and the author's part in it, it also provides some insight into the acceptance of the death penalty and its eventual abolition due to public pressure. Pierrepoint is a skilled recorder of his time and you are left with a strong sense of the humanity he brought to his role. The book is neither salacious or... more info
Learning about our unmentioned history This book has given me much food for thought about this part of englands history a part of which is not taught in schools. After reading this I have felt more understanding relating different events which flowed through the life of Albert Pierrepoint and more understanding on how people thought about crime form the forties through to the late fifties and how opinion changes. I would reccomend this book to everyone!!
