Curious Punishments of Bygone Days

Curious Punishments of Bygone Days is a fascinating book by Alice Morse Earle that explores the unusual and often brutal methods of punishment that were used in the past. The book takes readers on a journey through history, looking at the various forms of punishment that were used in different cultures and time periods, from the stocks and pillory to the ducking stool and the whipping post. Earle provides a detailed account of each punishment, explaining its origins, how it was used, and the impact it had on society. She also includes anecdotes and stories of individuals who were subjected to these punishments, giving readers a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in the past. Throughout the book, Earle highlights the ways in which punishment has evolved over time, and how our modern justice system has been shaped by the practices of the past. With its vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, Curious Punishments of Bygone Days is a must-read for anyone interested in history, law, or human behavior.1929. In ransacking old court records, newspapers, diaries and letters for the historic foundation of the books Ms. Earle wrote on colonial history, she found and noted much of interest which was not used or referred to in any of those books. An accumulation of notes on old-time laws, punishments and penalties evoked this volume. The subject is not a pleasant one, though it often has a humorous element; but a punishment that is obsolete gains an interest and dignity from antiquity and its history becomes endurable because it has a past only and no future. Contents: bilboes; ducking stool; stocks/ pillory; punishments of authors and books; whipping post; scarlet letter; branks and gags; public penance; military punishments; branding and maiming.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.