Pieter Spierenburg Livres

Exploring the intricate ties between masculinity and violence, this collection delves into how aggressive behavior shapes male identity and honor across various cultures. Compiled by expert Pieter Spierenburg, it features contributions from eight scholars who examine the dual nature of violence—both as a criminal act and a ritualistic expression of honor. The book offers a nuanced understanding of masculinity's historical evolution and its cultural implications, highlighting the complexities of male behavior and societal expectations.

Present-day unease about the treatment of lawbreakers has deep historical roots. Pieter Spierenburg traces the long period of evolution that gave rise to the modern debate about punishment, and relates it to the development of Western European society. He argues that two elements, the public character of punishment and its infliction of physical suffering, were originally at the heart of the penal system. From the sixteenth century onwards, however, these elements began to decline. Spierenburg explains that this development reflected a wider change of attitudes which, in turn, was related to changes in society at large. The book deals successively with each of the parties involved in public executions: the hangman, the magistrates, the crowd, and the victim. Among the themes dicussed are the infamous reputation of the excutioner, the functions of ceremonial, and the social background of those about to suffer.

This book offers a fascinating and insightful overview of seven centuries of murder in Europe. It tells the story of the changing face of violence and documents the long-term decline in the incidence of homicide.