The History of Torture

Torture is undeniably a crime agains 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 cruelties. 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 17th century. With the 20th century came the use of new technologies: electrodes were attached to various parts of the victim's body to adminster electric shocks, while a number of drugs, including hallucinogens, have been used to elicit confessions.,p> The History of Torture is a meticulously researched account, its detailed text enhanced by over 100 etchings, paintings, and photographs. Brian Innes offers a remarkable overview of man's inhumanity to man and the use and abuse of power, both outside and within the legal system.