executions and executioners

Presents a fictional autobiography of Lady Jane Grey in which she tells the story of her life, from age nine to sixteen when she was executed after being queen of England for only nine days.

Featured in this volume are "Billy Budd", Melville's posthumously published novella, the story of the rivalry between a handsome sailor and his demonic captain; the tale of the apathetic "Bartleby, the Scrivener; " the riveting "Benito Cereno", the story of a slave ship mutiny written at the time of the Amistad case and "The Town-Ho's Story", a chapter from Melville's masterpiece, "Moby Dick".

In a nation of warriors where weakness is shunned and all crimes, no matter how minor, are punishable by beheading, young Jebel Rum, along with a slave who is fated to be sacrificed, sets forth on a quest to petition the Fire God for invincibility, but when the long and arduous journey is over, Jebel has learned much about fairness and the value of life.

When her Uncle Frank is executed for treason against England's King George in 1746 and his severed head is mounted on a pike for public viewing, daring Alice tries to reclaim the head for a proper burial, finding an unlikely ally in the soft-hearted executioner, while incurring the wrath of the royal guard.

Examines the conflict between the Dakota Indians, and Minnesota settlers and soldiers in the 1860s. Describes how 303 Dakota warriors were found guilty of murder, and Abraham Lincoln personally intervened to save the lives of 265, making the hanging of thirty-eight warriors the largest government execution in American history. Profiles notable people in the struggle, and discusses the conflict within the larger framework of the Civil War.

Author provides insight into the world of death row inmates and those who have the power to punish with death.

Looks at the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. constitution, examining the state of the world before it was passed, how it came to be passed, and how the protections that it guarantees have been handled through the years.

Explores the personal lives of the men who carry out executions, focusing on how their jobs have affected their family life, outlook, and social standing.