The Noose of Samuel Burrows (Paperback)

I am a great lover of dark history, but usually don't consume it in book form. I am also a great believer that real History, as a discipline, is best told by everyday people rather than the people who hold the most power at the time. Imagine glee at finding a non-fiction book which combines the two.

'The Hangman's Noose' is not a philosophical debate on capital punishment or intended as either criticism or praise of the people whose job it was to carry it out. Instead it gives us a look at the lesser-known side of Georgian England, one away from the opulence and excesses.

The author tells the story of Samuel Burrows - the last hangman in the city of Chester - through the stories of those he executed and their crimes. His work underwent major reform in his lifetime and the book gives the reader insights into major events in British history (Luddite and Swing riots), shows the impact of major events such was the Napoleonic Wars, and also narrates the changes in attitudes towards crime and punishment.

As well as being well researched and told in an engaging way, it's lovely to see the authors clear affection for his home city and its history come through. Definitely well worth a read.

NetGalley, Kelly Lake

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a must read, must own, and must re-read , for any history lover and especially those dark history lovers! I had a very hard time putting this down & as someone with ADD I usually have the opposite problem when it comes to nonfiction. This it the type of item where you didn't know you needed it for your collection, but you 100% need this for sed collection at the same time! The realism the author uses is insane. You really feel as if you're side by side with Mr. Burrows as he carries out his "job". History like this is so important because it's so , SO close to being completely forgotten.

History is like a puzzle and once you start losing the pieces the puzzle becomes more & more useless. It makes me so happy that there are people still out there trying to preserve even the tiniest puzzle pieces. Because they understand the small pieces are no less important than the bigger ones.

NetGalley, Sarah Manfreda

A most interesting book and I really liked the way the author presented the story. Each chapter lists the date, place and name/s of the condemned. You not only get the story of the hangman himself but of the convicted as well. The author does a notable job of presenting an engrossing tale and his research shows. You will find this one hard to put down. Bonus pictures at the end.

NetGalley, Christine Cazeneuve