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

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

    A Paperback / softback by Philip Smith

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      Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
      Publication Date: 01/03/2008
      ISBN13: 9780226766102, 978-0226766102
      ISBN10: 0226766101
      Also in:
      Penology and punishment Society and culture: general

      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"

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