Launched Into Eternity

Crime and Punishment, Hitmen and Hangmen

Nonfiction, History, British, Social & Cultural Studies, True Crime
Cover of the book Launched Into Eternity by David Leslie, Black & White Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Leslie ISBN: 9781785301681
Publisher: Black & White Publishing Publication: October 11, 2017
Imprint: Black & White Publishing Language: English
Author: David Leslie
ISBN: 9781785301681
Publisher: Black & White Publishing
Publication: October 11, 2017
Imprint: Black & White Publishing
Language: English

When the crowd gathered to see the hangman launching teenager Robert Smith into eternity on a wet Tuesday in 1868, it was the last time this public spectacle would be witnessed in Scotland. Smith's crime was heinous, his public punishment brutal. And, finally, it was the end of a tragic public theatre which had drawn eager, baying crowds for more than a thousand years.

Launched Into Eternity is a fascinating account of crime and public punishment in Scotland. From bloody Viking penalties to the execution of William Wallace, and from witch hunts and public drownings to the horrific execution in 1820 of three Scots Radicals whose crime was to campaign for a fairer deal for the downtrodden, this is an astonishing and macabre story. But it is perhaps less surprising when you consider that by 1800, judges had the authority to hand out the death penalty for more than 200 separate offences.

Times have undoubtedly changed for the better, but the shadows of our history offer a fascinating insight into the brutality of life and the public punishments of the past.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

When the crowd gathered to see the hangman launching teenager Robert Smith into eternity on a wet Tuesday in 1868, it was the last time this public spectacle would be witnessed in Scotland. Smith's crime was heinous, his public punishment brutal. And, finally, it was the end of a tragic public theatre which had drawn eager, baying crowds for more than a thousand years.

Launched Into Eternity is a fascinating account of crime and public punishment in Scotland. From bloody Viking penalties to the execution of William Wallace, and from witch hunts and public drownings to the horrific execution in 1820 of three Scots Radicals whose crime was to campaign for a fairer deal for the downtrodden, this is an astonishing and macabre story. But it is perhaps less surprising when you consider that by 1800, judges had the authority to hand out the death penalty for more than 200 separate offences.

Times have undoubtedly changed for the better, but the shadows of our history offer a fascinating insight into the brutality of life and the public punishments of the past.

More books from Black & White Publishing

Cover of the book Geordies vs Mackems & Mackems vs Geordies by David Leslie
Cover of the book There is a Bonny Fitba Team by David Leslie
Cover of the book Call Me Sister by David Leslie
Cover of the book It Won't Hurt a Bit by David Leslie
Cover of the book All Because of Henry by David Leslie
Cover of the book Tide by David Leslie
Cover of the book Shearer Wonderland by David Leslie
Cover of the book The GFG: The Guid Freendly Giant by David Leslie
Cover of the book Even the Lies are True by David Leslie
Cover of the book From the Heart. My Autobiography by David Leslie
Cover of the book The Steamie by David Leslie
Cover of the book Hearts' Greatest Ever Season by David Leslie
Cover of the book Orkney's Italian Chapel by David Leslie
Cover of the book Gentle Johnny Ramensky by David Leslie
Cover of the book Sandy by David Leslie
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy