Description
Book SynopsisA study of the venomous act of poisoning as it was conceived, executed, and prosecuted in the Middle Ages. It examines the perception of the crime of poisoning in the West in medieval times. It covers the period 500 to 1500 AD.
Trade ReviewRecommended for academic libraries supporting graduate studies in history. * Catholic Library World *
…a welcomed contribution and makes this remarkable study of poisoning and its many social aspects accessible to a wider audience. * The Historian *
Table of ContentsForeword Introduction Chapter I An Elusive Crime? The Crime as Event: The Emergence of the Crime in Narrative The Crime and Its Description: Its Existence in the Judicial Code The Difficulty in Quantifying Cases of Poisoning Chapter II A Unique Weapon The Poison Market Products that Were Used and the Instructions A Invincible Weapon? How to Prevent and to Recover from Poisoning Chapter III The Sociology of Poisoning Profiles of the Victims of Poisoning The Faces of the Poisoners The Crime of Poison in the World of Relationships Chapter IV Horrendum scelus. An Abominable Crime A Crime Described in Superlatives The Reasons for the Abomination: How to Kill The Reasons for the Abomination: Objectives and Effects of Poisoning Chapter V Pursuit and Punishment Theoretical Bases and Effective Practice The Poisoner on Trial Sentences and Sanctions Chapter VI Beyond Crime: Issues and Uses of Poison Poisonous Aggression, Heroism and Sainthood The Accusation of Poisoning and Social Regulation The Use of Poison: A Theme of Propaganda Conclusion Major Sources Selected Bibliography Index of Major Historical Figures
