The Medieval Underworld - Andrew McCall

This book was interesting, but very painful to read because McCall tortures all of his sentences. In McCall's hands, for example, the previous sentence might read: "The sentences of this book, being tortured by McCall, were very painful to read, yet interesting did I find the book."Or some such nonsense.

Anyway, the content was engaging - the book opens with the context of the Middle Ages, the theory behind Church, State, and sin, then the nature of medieval punishment (cruel and unusual), following by a closer treatment of several strains of deviants in the Middle Ages:

• bandits, freebooters and outlaws
• richman, poorman, beggarman, thieves
• prostitutes
• homosexuals
• heretics
• sorcerers and witches
• Jews

The book ends with an analysis of the medieval conception of hell.

Again, interesting, but perhaps not worth the effort.

Tales Behind the Tombstones: The Deaths and Burials of the Old West's Most Nefarious Outlaws, Notorious Women, and Celebrated Lawmen

Tales Behind the Tombstones is a delightful collection of short biographies of colorful figures from the Old West, including desperadoes such as Billy the Kid and Jesse James, prostitutes (or "soiled doves") such as Julia Bulette, women's rights activists, sheriffs, and others. The language is lively and engaging and there are numerous black and white photos of these individuals and in many cases of their gravestones. It was fascinating to read about these individuals' very unusual and exciting lives. Definitely recommend!