A Handbook on Hanging.Charles Duff. 1948.

 Freedom Press reprint of the third revised, updated edition of that first published in 1928.'Diligently compared and revised in accordance with the most recent developments.'

This has to be perhaps the most unusual, possibly macabre and undoubtedly rare book I've handled in many years.Preamble as follows:

'Being a short introduction to the fine art of Execution, and containing much useful information on neck-breaking, throttling, strangling, asphyxiation, decapitation and electrocution; as well as data and wrinkles for hangmen, an account of the late Mr Berry's method of killing and his working list of drops; to which is added a hangman's ready-reckoner and certain other items of interest including the Great Nuremberg Hangings.' ( These 10, Goering having committed suicide, were despatched  by the US Army's executioner, a Master Sergeant. Despite his previous experience(347) observers said that some of the condemned struck their heads during the drop through the trap and many died slowly from strangulation. Botched job, or giving Nazi War criminals a taste of their own medicine?)

And then, it says: 'All very proper to be read and kept in every family!!!' To think I had to make do with 'Alice in Wonderland!.

Included with this is an 8-page pamphlet by 'VIGIL'of the Observer, a five year survey of men and women executed in England, Scotland and Wales 1949-53. It lists 85 executions, one of which I remember well. Derek Bentley was convicted as an accomplice in the murder of a policeman committed by Christopher Craig, despite being a grade 4 mental deficient and in custody when the fatal shot was fired! I think he was pardoned recently after his sister and others campaigned for years.As I understand it, when the policeman urged Craig to give up the gun, Bentley shouted 'let him have it',which the jury must have seen as an encouragement to shoot! Watching too many American B movies perhaps? Earlier, Craig, 4 years older than I had terrorised myself and one or two other boys and girls by making us stand against a wooden fence whilst he threw knives into it! Luckily, none of us injured, we legged it when he was recovering them! He being 16, was imprisoned and has been free for many years.

Freedom Press issued this document as a protest against Capital Punishment and it seems our whole justice system.

There are accounts of botched executions and many graphic descriptions of everything to do with such matters, including observations regarding heads severed by guillotine.

It is VG.

Amazed this piece of history did not sell, no price reduction, it is a rare item. Shall continue to re-list until uniqueness recognised.

As e-bay have decreed that books are now to be post free within the UK: not to deter overseas buyers I invite them to pay just two-thirds of stated postage.