The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century
The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century
Book Brief
BetaThe Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2013320
Book • Nonfiction
•
BiographyGermany • 16th century
•
European History•
Grief & Death2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century by Joel F. Harrington explores the life of Meister Frantz Schmidt, an executioner in 16th-century Nuremberg. Through Schmidt's diary, Harrington examines the societal roles, challenges, and personal experiences of executioners, providing insights into themes of justice, morality, and human dignity during a tumultuous era.
Informative
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
4,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Faithful Executioner by Joel F. Harrington offers a vivid portrayal of a sixteenth-century executioner. Reviews praise its engaging storytelling and historical depth, yet some critique it for occasional repetitiveness. Overall, the book successfully humanizes its subject while shedding light on societal norms of the time.
Who Should Read The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century?
Readers interested in The Faithful Executioner by Joel F. Harrington likely enjoy historical biographies, early modern European history, and true crime. Comparable to Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, it appeals to those fascinated by the interplay of personal narratives and broader social dynamics.
4,038 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The book centers on the life of Franz Schmidt, a 16th-century executioner, who meticulously chronicled his professional life in a rare and detailed executioner’s diary.
Joel F. Harrington provides a unique perspective on the social dynamics of the time, focusing on the moral and ethical struggles faced by executioners.
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Despite his grim profession, Schmidt was deeply committed to his faith and social status, reflecting broader societal perceptions of honor and shame.
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320
Book • Nonfiction
•
BiographyGermany • 16th century
•
European History•
Grief & Death2013
Adult
18+ years
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