Instruments of Torture. A Global History of Pain

In this unique and grim collectible edition by a renowned British expert, methods and tools used for torture are examined – from ancient times to the present day, in different countries and among different peoples of the world. The album contains 110 shocking photographs and images. Torture instruments are grouped by the types of technologies used: from "simple" spatial ones, like confinement in a solitary cell, kinetic methods, such as sitting or standing in uncomfortable positions, and outright beating - to psychological violence, suspension using complex pulley systems, water torture, fire, and electricity, as well as exotic methods like the use of trees, rats, ants, and other plants, animals, and insects. Michael Kerrigan does not overlook the fact that many methods of execution combined brutal and prolonged infliction of pain before death. The uniqueness of the book lies in the author's description not only of the principles of operation of special devices during torture but also in detailing what kind of pain arises and what physiological and psychological reactions accompany it. Unfortunately, torture is not something buried in the distant past. And although many torture instruments have long become antique curiosities, the technologies of inflicting pain find application even today. And they are used not only by criminals and maniacs! Modern dictators and their enforcers consider systematic use of torture against dissenters and their political opponents acceptable. After all, it is not only an "effective" tool for achieving various goals: from intimidation to obtaining confessions. But also ideologically justified: for the triumph of justice and the safety of a certain part of society, "excesses" are permissible in relation to "evil." In recent decades, even countries like Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the USA have periodically crossed the line between reasonably harsh and unjustifiably cruel approaches to interrogation and detention. Perhaps these are merely romantic dreams of a humanist