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Sir REGINALD COUPLAND

The book begins with a reference to James Stephen, a significant figure in the British anti-slavery movement.  Authored by Sir Reginald Coupland, the book provides a historical account of the British anti-slavery movement, with a new introduction by J. D. Fage.  The text delves into the origins and development of slavery, its practice in ancient civilizations, and the eventual involvement of Europe and America in the African slave trade. It discusses the moral implications of slavery and the economic factors that led to the rise of the slave trade, particularly in relation to the colonization of the Americas, thus setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the British efforts to abolish slavery and the slave trade.

FRANK CASS & CO LTD LONDON. 1933. 273p.

By Rajan Khatiwoda

The main ambition of this book lies in a detailed analysis of the formation and enforcement of Nepal’s Mulukī Ain of 1854, specifically focusing on the provisions regarding homicide within the Mulukī Ains of 1854 and 1870. This study also examines contemporaneous legal records, revealing the complexities of the Ain’s implementation. The articles on homicide serve as a microcosm illustrating the broader evolution of Nepal’s legal code, which departed from outdated punishments like genital mutilation and introduced fines and imprisonment instead. Still, the innovations introduced into the Ain of 1854 were not uniformly progressive. The Ain in its various stages of development thus showcases the complex ways in which legal systems inevitably undergo transformation.

Heidelberg: Heidelberg University Publishing (heiUP), 2024. 439p.

By Oscar Vilhena Vieira

In 2013, Brazil faced political and social upheaval, amid widescale public protests over economic challenges and startling revelations of corruption in the Operation Car Wash investigation. The crisis led to a presidential impeachment and the election of a far-right politician, Jair Bolsonaro, in 2018.

In a new book, “Battle of Powers,” Oscar Vilhena Vieira examines the historical and institutional context of this tumultuous period in recent Brazilian history. In doing so, he offers a reminder of the dangers extremist political movements pose for the rule of law in Brazil and elsewhere, and the importance of constitutional barriers to contain authoritarian cycles. The book also demonstrates how the failure of a government to deliver basic public goods can gradually erode democratic culture and open opportunities for political movements that are less willing to accept institutional constraints on executive power.

Wilson Center and FGV Sao Paulo Law School, 2024

by Darrow, Clarence, 1857-1938

The nature of the state.--Armies and navies.--The purpose of armies.--Civil government.--Theory of crime and punishment.--Remedial effects of punishment.--Cause of crime.--The proper treatment of crime.--Impossibility of just judgment.--The judge of the criminal.--The measure of punishment.--Who deserves punishment.--Natural law and conduct.--Rules governing penal codes and their victims.--The machinery of justice.--The right treatment of violence

By Ethan Blue

As banks crashed, belts tightened, and cupboards emptied across the country, American prisons grew fat. Doing Time in the Depression tells the story of the 1930s as seen from the cell blocks and cotton fields of Texas and California prisons, state institutions that held growing numbers of working people from around the country and the world—overwhelmingly poor, disproportionately non-white, and displaced by economic crisis. Ethan Blue paints a vivid portrait of everyday life inside Texas and California’s penal systems. Each element of prison life—from numbing boredom to hard labor, from meager pleasure in popular culture to crushing pain from illness or violence—demonstrated a contest between keepers and the kept. From the moment they arrived to the day they would leave, inmates struggled over the meanings of race and manhood, power and poverty, and of the state itself. In this richly layered account, Blue compellingly argues that punishment in California and Texas played a critical role in producing a distinctive set of class, race, and gender identities in the 1930s, some of which reinforced the social hierarchies and ideologies of New Deal America, and others of which undercut and troubled the established social order. He reveals the underside of the modern state in two very different prison systems, and the making of grim institutions whose power would only grow across the century.

New York; London: New York University Press, 2012.

By Kenneth R. Aslakson

 No American city’s history better illustrates both the possibilities for alternative racial models and the role of the law in shaping racial identity than New Orleans, Louisiana, which prior to the Civil War was home to America’s most privileged community of people of African descent. In the eyes of the law, New Orleans’s free people of color did not belong to the same race as enslaved Africans and African-Americans. While slaves were “negroes,” free people of color were gens de couleur libre, creoles of color, or simply creoles. New Orleans’s creoles of color remained legally and culturally distinct from “negroes” throughout most of the nineteenth century until state mandated segregation lumped together descendants of slaves with descendants of free people of color.

Much of the recent scholarship on New Orleans examines what race relations in the antebellum period looked as well as why antebellum Louisiana’s gens de couleur enjoyed rights and privileges denied to free blacks throughout most of the United States. This book, however, is less concerned with the what and why questions than with how people of color, acting within institutions of power, shaped those institutions in ways beyond their control. As its title suggests, Making Race in the Courtroom argues that race is best understood not as a category, but as a process. It seeks to demonstrate the role of free people of African-descent, interacting within the courts, in this process.

New York; London: New York University Press, 2014. 272p.

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By Philippe Wolff. Translated from the French by Anne Carter

"The Awakening of Europe" by Philippe Wolff, masterfully translated from the original French by Anne Carter, takes readers on a captivating journey through the tumultuous period of Europe's awakening. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Wolff delves into the intricate tapestry of European history, unraveling the political upheavals, cultural shifts, and intellectual revolutions that shaped the continent. From the Renaissance to the Reformation, from the Age of Exploration to the Enlightenment, this book illuminates the pivotal moments that defined Europe's trajectory. With a keen eye for detail and a narrative that seamlessly weaves together disparate threads of history, Wolff's work transcends borders and languages to offer a compelling exploration of Europe's profound transformation. "The Awakening of Europe" is a must-read for history enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the forces that shaped the modern world.

Penguin, 1968, 314 pages

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By Edward Gibbon

In "Barbarism and the Fall of Rome," Edward Gibbon masterfully analyzes the decline of the once-mighty Roman Empire. Delving into the intricate interplay of political corruption, economic instability, and relentless barbarian invasions, Gibbon presents a compelling narrative of Rome's gradual collapse. Drawing upon extensive research and a keen historical insight, the author unravels the complex factors that led to the downfall of this ancient superpower. A seminal work in the study of Roman history, Gibbon's magnum opus remains a timeless exploration of the consequences of hubris, decadence, and external pressures on the fate of civilizations.

Collier Books, 1962, 382 pages

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By Edward Gibbon

In "Christians and the Fall of Rome," renowned historian Edward Gibbon delves into the intricate relationship between the rise of Christianity and the decline of the Roman Empire. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Gibbon explores the impact of Christianity on the social, political, and cultural fabric of Rome during its final years. He weaves a compelling narrative that examines the intersection of faith and power, shedding light on how religious dynamics played a pivotal role in shaping the course of history. This seminal work offers a thought-provoking perspective on a crucial period in Western civilization and continues to be a cornerstone in the study of antiquity.

Penguin, 2004, 90 pages

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By Melissa Barden Dowling

Clemency & Cruelty in the Roman World delves into the intricate complexities of power, justice, and morality in ancient Rome. Melissa Barden Dowling expertly navigates through the historical landscape filled with tales of both compassion and ruthlessness, shedding light on the stark realities of Roman governance.

Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Dowling explores the dual nature of Roman rulers — their capacity for clemency in granting mercy, contrasted with their inclination towards cruelty in enforcing dominance. By examining a wide array of historical sources and narratives, the book offers a compelling narrative that challenges conventional views on Roman justice and authority.

Spanning from the heights of the Roman Empire to its darkest days, Clemency & Cruelty in the Roman World presents a thought-provoking exploration of how power dynamics shaped the foundations of Roman society. Dowling’s work serves as a captivating journey into the heart of Roman civilization, inviting readers to reconsider their perceptions of ancient governance and the enduring legacies of clemency and cruelty.

University of Michigan Press, 2006, 366 pages

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By Camille Naish

"Death Comes to the Maiden: Sex and Execution 1431-1933" by Camille Naish is a compelling exploration of the intersection between sexuality and capital punishment throughout history. Delving deep into the narratives of individuals who faced the ultimate penalty for their perceived transgressions, Naish weaves a rich tapestry of stories that illuminate the complex relationships between power, desire, and societal norms. From the infamous trials of Joan of Arc to the scandalous executions of the 20th century, this book challenges readers to confront the ways in which attitudes towards sex and death have evolved over the centuries. A thought-provoking and meticulously researched work, Death Comes to the Maiden is a must-read for anyone interested in the dark and fascinating history of punishment and desire.

Routledge, May 7, 2013, 274 pages

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By J. R. Tanner

English Constitutional Conflicts of the Seventeenth Century (1603-1689) by J. R. Tanner delves deep into the turbulent political landscape of England during this transformative period. Tanner meticulously explores the intricate constitutional struggles that shaped the foundations of modern governance. From the power struggles between the monarchy and Parliament to the religious tensions that defined the era, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the key conflicts that defined English politics. A seminal work for scholars and history enthusiasts alike, Tanner's insightful narrative sheds light on the complexities of constitutional evolution during one of England's most tumultuous centuries.

CUP Archive, Mar 3, 1928, 315 pages

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By Bruce Pascoe

"Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture" by Bruce Pascoe challenges the conventional narrative of Australian history by presenting compelling evidence of Indigenous agriculture and land management practices. Drawing from a wealth of historical and archaeological studies, Pascoe sheds light on the advanced techniques employed by Aboriginal Australians for food production, construction, and resource stewardship.

Through meticulous research and thought-provoking analysis, Pascoe redefines our understanding of the continent's pre-colonial past, portraying a sophisticated and sustainable society that thrived for thousands of years. Dark Emu invites readers to reconsider the contributions of Australia's First Nations peoples and prompts reflection on the ecological wisdom embedded in their ancient practices.

This groundbreaking work offers a fresh perspective on Australia's cultural heritage, challenging readers to confront long-held misconceptions and embark on a journey of discovery into the rich tapestry of Indigenous knowledge. Dark Emu is a vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue on land, history, and identity, inviting all to explore the enduring legacy of Aboriginal ingenuity and resilience.

Magabala Books, 2018, 239 pages

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By J. W. ALLEN,

A History of Political Thought in the Sixteenth Century by J. W. Allen delves into the intricate and nuanced development of political ideologies during a transformative period in history. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, Allen navigates the intellectual landscape of the sixteenth century, exploring the ideas and philosophies that shaped political discourse. This book offers readers a comprehensive examination of the key figures, events, and theories that influenced political thought during this significant era. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the foundations of modern political principles.

Routledge, Sep 5, 2013, 527 pages

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By Nikolaus Wachsmann

State prisons played an indispensable part in the terror of the Third Reich, incarcerating many hundreds of thousands of men and women during the Nazi era. This important book illuminates the previously unknown world of Nazi prisons, their victims, and the judicial and penal officials who built and operated this system of brutal legal terror.

Nikolaus Wachsmann describes the operation and function of legal terror in the Third Reich and brings Nazi prisons to life through the harrowing stories of individual inmates.

Drawing on a vast array of archival materials, he traces the series of changes in prison policies and practice that led eventually to racial terror, brutal violence, slave labor, starvation, and mass killings. Wachsmann demonstrates that “ordinary” legal officials were ready collaborators who helped to turn courts and prisons into key components in the Nazi web of terror. And he concludes with a discussion of the whitewash of the Nazi legal system in postwar West Germany.

Yale University Press, May 26, 2015, 538 pages

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By HENRY CHARLES LEA

"The Inquisition of the Middle Ages: Its Organization And Operation" by Henry Charles Lea delves into the intricate workings of one of the most controversial institutions in European history. Through meticulous research and scholarly analysis, Lea provides a comprehensive examination of the Inquisition, its structure, and its methods of operation during the Middle Ages.

Published in the late 19th century, this seminal work remains a cornerstone in the study of the Inquisition, shedding light on its mechanisms of control, the role of inquisitors, and the impact on religious and social dynamics of the time. Lea's insightful exploration offers a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding this period of religious persecution and power.

For those seeking a thorough and thought-provoking exploration of the Inquisition's history, "The Inquisition of the Middle Ages" is an indispensable resource that continues to shape our understanding of this tumultuous era."

New York and Evanston. Harper & Row, Publishers . 1963. 334p.

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By PAUL GINSBORG

Italy and Its Discontents: Family, Civil Society, State 1980-2001 by Paul Ginsborg delves into the intricate dynamics that shaped Italy during a pivotal period in its history. Ginsborg meticulously analyzes the relationships between family, civil society, and the state, offering a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and transformations that defined Italy from 1980 to 2001. Drawing on his expertise in Italian history, Ginsborg provides valuable insights into the complexities of Italian society, politics, and culture during these tumultuous years. A thought-provoking and informative read for anyone interested in Italian history and society.

NY. London. Penguin. 2001.. 538p.

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By NICHOLAS COWDERY, with RACHAEL JANE CHIN

"FRANK & FEARLESS" by Nicholas Cowdery and Rachael Jane Chin is a riveting exploration of the intersection between honesty and courage in the realms of justice and law. With unparalleled insight, the authors delve into the complexities of navigating truth in a world where fear often clouds the path to justice. Through a series of compelling anecdotes and thought-provoking analyses, Cowdery and Chin shed light on the significance of being unapologetically honest and fearlessly bold in pursuit of integrity and fairness. This book is a powerful testament to the enduring impact of embracing authenticity and bravery in confronting the challenges of our time.

NewSouth Publishing, 2019, 261 pages

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by ANGELO RASANAYAGAM

AFGHANISTAN: A MODERN HISTORY by ANGELO RASANAYAGAM presents a comprehensive overview of the tumultuous past of Afghanistan, delving into the intricate tapestry of its political, social, and cultural evolution. Rasanayagam navigates through centuries of Afghan history, shedding light on the diverse influences that have shaped the nation into what it is today. From the Great Game to the Soviet invasion, and the rise of the Taliban to the U.S. intervention, this book provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities that define Afghanistan's contemporary reality. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper grasp of one of the world's most enigmatic nations.

London. J. B. Tauris & Co. Ltd.. 2010. 327p.

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By JARED DIAMOND

Guns, Germs, and Steel: A Short History of Everybody for the Last 13,000 Years by Jared Diamond is a groundbreaking exploration into the complex tapestry of human history. Diamond delves deep into the factors that have shaped the destinies of civilizations over millennia, examining the roles of geography, biology, and culture in determining the fates of societies worldwide. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, Diamond uncovers the interconnected forces that have influenced the rise and fall of nations, challenging conventional narratives of human development. A thought-provoking and illuminating read, Guns, Germs, and Steel offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of human societies and the legacies that continue to shape our world today.

NY. Penguin. Vintage. 1997.. 662p.