An updated and enlarged edition of an annotated collection originally published more than 20 years ago, Bloody Versicles serves as two books in one: an anthology of ribald, moralistic, sad, yet amusing and entertaining verse relating to specific crimes; and a small encyclopedia of select criminals and their wrongdoings.Some of the "crhymes," such as "Lizzie Borden took an axe...," are famous, but most are familiar only to students of particular cases. They have been selected from sources in the United States, England and Scotland, Australia, and France and are representative of all major categories of offenses, with murder inspiring the largest section.

Examining the role of violence in America's past, this collection of essays explores its history and development from slave patrols in the colonial South to gun ownership in the 20th century. The contributors focus not only on individual acts such as domestic violence, murder, duelling, frontier vigilantism and rape, but also on group and state-led acts such as lynchings, slave uprisings, the establishment of rifle clubs, legal sanctions of heterosexual aggression, and invasive medical experiments on women's bodies.

This highly acclaimed and provocative interdisciplinary study of the development of institutional censorship explores the complexities of 20th-century American cultural politics through the protagonists of the Melville Revival. Spark addresses the distinction between the radical and conservative Enlightenment and makes her way through Melville's often confusing and contradictory texts, examining the disputes within Melville scholarship.

When Viscount Castlereagh, leader of the House of Commons and architect of the Grand Alliance, committed suicide in 1822, the coroner's inquest could consider only two legal verdicts: insanity or self-murder. Public outrage greeted his burial in Westminster Abbey; the tradition lingered that a suicide's burial place be at a crossroads, with a stake through the heart to keep the lost soul from wandering. Probing a remarkable variety of sources and individual cases, Barbara Gates shows how attitudes toward suicide changed between Castlereagh's death and the end of the century. By 1900 the Victorians' moral censure of suicide and the accompanying denial that it was a widespread problem had been replaced by a more compassionate response--and also by an unfounded belief in a "suicide epidemic," which Thomas Hardy described as a "coming universal wish not to live.". Exposing a rich area of interaction between history and literature, and utilizing the methodology of the new historicism, Gates discusses topics ranging from the plot for Wuthering Heights to Victorian shilling shockers. Among other findings she includes evidence that Victorian middle-class men, particularly, tended to make suicide the province of other selves--of men belonging to other times or places, of "monsters," or of women. Originally published in 1988. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

The identity of Jack the Ripper has consumed public curiosity since he first tormented the East End of London in 1888. Numerous theories have been offered as to his identity, but he remains in the shadows where, it seems, only imaginative literature has been able to elucidate his meaning to the modern world. This work surveys the literary, film, television, and radio treatments of Jack the Ripper and his crimes. The works of fiction are thoroughly analyzed, as are the major nonfiction works that have offered various theories about the Ripper's identity. Works whose narratives are obviously inspired by Jack the Ripper and his crimes are also discussed.

Lord Byron's 'LORD BYRON Ultimate Collection: 300+ Poems, Verses, Dramas & Tales' is a comprehensive compilation of the renowned poet's works, showcasing his distinctive literary style that combines romanticism with wit and darkness. Byron's poems often delve into themes of love, loss, and the human experience, capturing the essence of the Romantic era with his emotive and passionate language. This collection includes a diverse range of works, from epic poems like 'Don Juan' to haunting verses like 'She Walks in Beauty,' showcasing Byron's versatility as a writer. Readers will be captivated by the lyrical beauty and melodious rhythm of Byron's verses, making this collection a must-read for lovers of poetry and literature alike. Lord Byron's tumultuous personal life and rebellious nature greatly influenced his writings, as he sought to challenge societal norms and explore the complexities of human emotions. His experiences as an exile and his travels across Europe provided him with a unique perspective that is reflected in his works, adding depth and richness to his poetic voice. This comprehensive collection serves as a testament to Byron's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets of the Romantic period, showcasing the depth of his literary genius and the timeless relevance of his works. I highly recommend 'LORD BYRON Ultimate Collection' to anyone interested in exploring the depths of human emotion and the beauty of poetic language. Byron's masterful storytelling and evocative imagery will enchant readers and transport them to a world of passion and lyricism, making this collection a true literary treasure.