THE HISTORY OF TORTURE.

UK,Qrto HB+dw/dj,1st edn.FINE/FINE.No owner inscrptn and no price-clip to dw/dj - absence of publisher's price - generally believed to be an export copy,which usually precedes the UK trade edn issues and distribution.Bright,crisp,clean,glossy laminated,b/w photographic illustrated front panel of dw/dj,with red lettering,rear panel with b/w reproduction historical illus with red+white letters; with negligible shelf- wear or creasing to edges and corners - no nicks or tears present.Top+ fore-edges bright and clean; contents bright,tight,clean,solid and sound - pristine - no dog-ear reading creases to any pages' corners,appears unread - apart from my own collation.Bright,crisp, clean,sharp-cornered, publisher's original plain black cloth boards with bright,crisp,stamped gilt letters to spine/backstrip,a b/w striped headband and immaculate plain white endpapers.UK,Qrto HB+dw/dj,1st edn,8-192pp [paginated] includes an intro,13 chapters,profuse historical b/w reproduction illustrations and contemporary b/w photographs throughout the text and the book,an index and picture/photograph credits; plus [unpaginated] half-title page with dw/dj's b/w cover photograph to it's reverse as a frntis,title page and contents list/table.
Torture is undeniably a crime against humanity.Yet however repugnant the practice of torture appears to us today,it was legal for at least three thousand years,and formed a part of most legal codes in Europe and the Far East.In 'The History of Torture',the complete story of torture is told, from its earliest uses right through to the present day.This book explains the many tools and techniques of torture,which range from blatantly vicious methods to the most subtle of mental tortures.The rack is one of the most enduring torture tools: first written of in Ancient Greece,it was used to stretch the victim's body from either end.Thumbscrews were introduced to western Europe from Russia in the 17thC.With the 20thC came the use of new techniques: electrodes were attached to various parts of the victim's body to administer electric shocks,while a number of drugs,including hallucinogens,have been used to elicit confessions.The most recent instances of torture are reviewed,including torture in modern warfare,particularly in Germany and in the Far East during WW2.The French Army used torture extensively during the war in Algeria (1954- 1962),and it is now a common practice there once more.In Northern Ireland,there is firm evidence that psychological torture has been used in the interrogation of IRA suspects.This book also details the fight against torture.Today,Amnesty International is the primary group taking action against torture. Their 40-year battle shows no sign of ending; the use of torture against both political and criminal prisoners continues in many countries of the world. 'The History of Torture' is a meticulously researched account,its detailed next enhanced by over 100 etchings,paintings and photographs.It offers a remarkable overview of man's inhumanity to man and the use and abuse of power,both outside and within the legal system. Since April 2013,again in March 2015,and in this year too,the UK Post Office has altered it's Pricing in Proportion template,altering it's prices, weight allowances,dimensions and lowered it's qualifying compensation rates too!
So,please contact rpaxtonden@blueyonder.co.uk ,for correct shipping/P+p quotes - particularly ALL overseas buyers - BEFORE ordering through the order page!