Crime in Early Modern England

Those convicted of homicide were hanged on the public gallows before being dissected under the Murder Act in Georgian England. Yet, from 1752, whether criminals actually died on the hanging tree or in the dissection room remained a medical mystery in early modern society.

"Gaskill has set a new standard for the writing of socio-legal history." H-Net Reviews
"Drawing extensively on archival material, Gaskill…succeeds admirably in his task….Conceptually sophisticated and deeply researched, the book will deservedly occupy a central place in the literature of early modern social history and is recommended for all academic collections." ls Choice

"Gatskill offers important new insights in relating legal to cultural history." Jrnl of Interdisciplinary History

"Malcolm Gaskill packs a lot of punches into 377 pages, presenting a challenging idea on almost every page…It is always riveting and never dull." Sixteenth Century Journal

"[Gaskill] has a good ear and sharp eye combined with a great enthusiasm for plowing through the sources." Journal of Modern History