The Big Book of Pain

I am not as eloquent as the other reviewers. But I feel compelled to give the five stars. I have read much on this particular subject, but was pleasantly surprised by new aspects of this subject that I had previously not thought of or did not know. I found especially interesting discussion of the psychology of interrogation, the discussion about the correlation of cruelty and overall social stability, and how the penal code was more enlightened at some historic moments than at others. Also, I enjoyed reading about bits and pieces of history drama that I had previously not known. For example, I have always known Cicero, but did not know that he was killed by Anthony. I have seen Regulus mentioined by Seneca, but this is the first time I learned of his story. (If the Regulus story was made up--according to some historians--then the inventor of the story is first class indeed!)Regarding particulars of the instruments, it appears comprehensive at least with respect to those belonging to the European tradition: nothing I know is left out, and somethings I don't know is included (which is rare for a book on this subject.) Some particulars regarding the Chinese tradition seem to be different from what I have read elsewhere. For example, Ling Chi, as an official form of execution, was typically not done based on text inscribed on little knifes. There was a very detailed sequence of how the cutting should be done. Having said that, the history of Ling Chi was long and the particulars varied from case to case. For example, the number of cuts varied from three thousand to a few hundred, and the cutting could be done in a couple of ours, or take up to three days. In a famous case, a fish net was used. Something like what the author describes probably happend at some point, but it was atypical. Still, you get the idea.Overall, compared to other books on similar subjects, this book is informative, humourous and thoughtful. If you want to read a book on this particular subject, this is a good choice.

Diehl & Donnelly have put together a wonderful book (if wonderful can be used in terms of the subject matter). The Big Book of Pain makes for a an engaging read (I read it over two days); a good reference for your bookshelf, and has many copies of woodcuts, photos and scenes (including several pages of color plates with description) in case your imagination or memory fails you.The authors investigate various methods of torture through the ages and while they do pay the most attention on Europe and Britain, they do offer a small section on other regions including China, India and Africa. Included is a mini-encyclopedia, which makes as a good quick reference for those wanting to reference such things in medieval studies or other writing.This is not the first book on torture in history I have read (see  A History of Torture  if this subject matter interests you), but I did find more images that were also clearer, which helped me understand some of the real and imagined scenarios that would occur with various devices.Big Book of Pain does not seek to glorify the art of torture (which it really was an art form in its truly twisted sense), but to educate. At the end of the book, the authors offer modern-day scenarios (while not necessarily utilizing the Rack, the Pear, the Gibbet or the Iron Maiden), and leave the reader with a question of what the reader can do - since torture has and probably never will become just another passage in a history book. Otherwise Amnesty International probably would not exist.I'd recommend everyone that can separate themselves to some degree from the descriptions of personal torture, to read this and examine the world around them.) Are we living in an age of civilization or an age of barbarism and tyrrany?For reference to the actual physical size of the book (since it is called The Big Book...) - it is roughly the size of a large format paperback - the book I am reviewing is hardcover.

I liked most of it, but a lot of information is repeated. That is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I am a history buff and love to read about the past including torture. Some of it is gory and if you are squeamish you may not want to read it.

I went to a torture museum in Amsterdam a few years ago and found it fascinating. After reading this highly informative book, I had a broad understanding of how the devices were used. The book covers a lot of ground and gives detailed descriptions of how the devices worked and what countries used them. The only bad part was having a better understanding of how much pain so many people had inflicted on them.Many of these people were innocent and it was extremely disturbing knowing children were often included. These devices and methods were often ingenious but horrific in the ways they were used and how some were used to make the torture, not only more painful but, also, to make the pain last longer.There are many pictures and illustrations throughout the book. The book is well written and gives a very good understanding of what these victims had to endure. After reading this book, I don't believe reading any other books would give much more information than what was covered here.

While there is a lot of interesting information in this book, the author takes some liberties in order to make the information still more shocking. For instance, he talks about the witch persecutions saying that if a child "wrongly" accuses someone of being a witch, they too would be investigated. The word he wanted was "falsely". There's actually a big difference between the two words. Also, he is very inconsistent about what constitutes torture, first defining it as inflicted pain for the purposes of questioning or punishment, but later including things like the general living conditions of serfs, which, while certainly miserable in many cases, is not torture. I've been reading a lot of non-fiction lately, and this one was definitely the most disappointing.

Halfway through this book and its an enjoyable read very informative

We visited Medieval Times in Toronto two years ago (dungeon of pain). We could not believe what people had to endure before their passing. This book explain very well the people's mentality back then. It's sad to see how people got treated back then. They were sick!

its more engrossing than porn

This is a book about pain and torture throughout the world and throughout the ages. It goes into quite detailed and graphic accounts of the methods used and the effects it had on those poor unfortunate souls who were victim of it. Some of the ways that have been created to not only cause agonising pain to a fellow human but also how to prolong that pain to get the desired effect is quite disturbing. Some torture was used as a punishment, some to extract confessions out of people (who would be in such torment that they would end up confessing to literally anything the inquisitor/torturer would tell them to), and some torture was inflicted out of a sick depraved lust to see others suffer. Some of the accounts in here are truly awful and sickening. Not for the squeamish or fainthearted. However, it is a vary interesting read.A note on the kindle version: no proplems whatsoever.

Interesting insight into man's inhumanity to his fellow man.