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Medieval Punishment and Torture
This title examines people's beliefs in medieval times regarding the use of torture in the absence of scientific knowledge.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
80 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2014
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January 13, 2015
This title of “The Library of Medieval Times” describes crime, punishment and torture devices of the period. The Middle Ages were known for harshness and severity, and punishments of the time reflected that mercilessness. Whether as a punishment or a means of exacting a confession, infamous and lesser-known methods of torture (the rack, drawing and quartering, and flaying, among others) are described here in detail. Being sentenced to a medieval prison was no bargain either as the prisoner was subjected to isolation in a dungeon, unsanitary conditions and lack of food and water. The judicial systems in place, whether religious or secular, were autonomous and autocratic, with no recourse for the accused. It is no wonder that numerous innocents in the Middle Ages confessed to crimes they did not commit in order to avoid being tortured. Fact boxes include primary source passages. Scattered throughout are a few illustrations of torture devices and executions that are grisly. New vocabulary words are defined on the pages. Back matter includes source notes, bibliography, websites and index. The text-heavy titles with sparse illustrations are more suited for serious researchers. However, the topic of this title would appeal to many readers, especially boys. The series would be a worthwhile choice for secondary libraries.
Displaying 1 of 1 review