The Electric Chair
An Unnatural American History
Format:Paperback
Publisher:McFarland & Co Inc
Published:25th Sep '09
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book provides a history of the electric chair and analyzes its features, its development, and the manner of its use. Chapters cover the early conceptual stages as a humane alternative to hanging, and the rivalry between Edison and Westinghouse that was one of the main forces in the chair's adoption as a mode of execution. Also presented are an account of the terrible first execution and a number of the subsequent gruesome employments of the chair. The text explores the changing attitudes toward the chair as state after state replaced it with lethal injection.
“a history of the first decade of the electric chair. Brandon tells an absorbing story...an excellent, readable work”—Choice; “one must admire Brandon’s extensive research...essential”—Library Journal; “highly readable, meticulously documented and absolutely fascinating history...an important contribution to the ongoing debate over capital punishment in this state and this country...recommended”—Bookmarks; “[the] most thorough study of the first man to be executed by current in America. Any serious student of law, New York history or politics owes himself the opportunity to read this great book”—New York Law Journal.
ISBN: 9780786444939
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 15mm
Weight: 386g
285 pages