Curious Punishments of Bygone Days

First published in 1896, this serves as a comprehensive catalog detailing various crimes in early America and the corresponding penalties imposed on offenders. This work highlights notable methods of punishment such as pillories, stocks, the scarlet letter, and ducking stools, alongside the disciplinary measures applied to authors and written works. Earle, a prominent social historian at the turn of the century, has contributed significantly to the literature surrounding everyday life in Colonial America through this meticulously researched text. The catalog not only reflects the legal practices of the time but also sheds light on the societal attitudes towards crime and punishment, illustrating the harsh realities faced by those who broke the laws of Colonial America.