Description

Book Synopsis
Denies that punishment is about justice, reason, and law. This book shows that punishment is an essentially irrational act founded in ritual as a means to control evil without creating more of it in the process. It looks at issues ranging from public executions and the development of the prison to the invention of the guillotine.

Trade Review
"This is a polished, original, and forcefully argued book that provides a fascinating discussion of a series of iconic penal institutions. Smith's analyses will become a standard reference point, and the lessons he has to teach will, I hope, quickly be learned and assimilated." - David Garland, New York University"

Punishment and Culture

    Product form

    £76.00

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £80.00 – you save £4.00 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Thu 2 Jul 2026.

    A Hardback by Philip Smith

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Punishment and Culture by Philip Smith

      Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
      Publication Date: 01/03/2008
      ISBN13: 9780226766096, 978-0226766096
      ISBN10: 0226766098
      Also in:
      Cultural studies Penology and punishment

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Denies that punishment is about justice, reason, and law. This book shows that punishment is an essentially irrational act founded in ritual as a means to control evil without creating more of it in the process. It looks at issues ranging from public executions and the development of the prison to the invention of the guillotine.

      Trade Review
      "This is a polished, original, and forcefully argued book that provides a fascinating discussion of a series of iconic penal institutions. Smith's analyses will become a standard reference point, and the lessons he has to teach will, I hope, quickly be learned and assimilated." - David Garland, New York University"

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account