Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  Whack Job - A History of Axe Murder

  Rachel McCarthy James

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  A brilliant and bloody examination of the axe's foundational role in human history, from prehistoric violence, to war and executions, to newspaper headlines and popular culture.For as long as the axe has been in our hands, we have used it to kill.Much like the wheel, the boat, and the telephone, the axe is a transformative piece of technology—one that has been with us since prehistory. And just as early humans used the axe to chop down trees, hunt for food, and whittle tools, they also used it to murder. Over time, this particular use has endured: as the axe evolved over centuries to fit the needs of new agricultural, architectural, and social development, so have our lethal uses for it.Whack Job is the story of the axe, first as a convenient danger and then an anachronism, as told through the murders it has been employed in throughout history: from the first axe murder nearly half a million years ago, to the brutal harnessing of the axe in warfare, to its use in King Henry VIII's favorite method of execution, to Lizzie Borden and the birth of modern pop culture. Whack Job sheds brilliant light on this familiar implement, this most human of weapons. This is a critical examination of violence, an exploration of how technology shapes human conflict, the cruel and sacred rituals of execution and battle, and the ways humanity fits even the most savage impulses into narratives of the past and present.A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press.

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  Underwater - The Greed-Soaked...

  Irvin Muchnick

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  “Horrifying stuff that we desperately need to know.” — Scott Ostler, sports columnist, San Francisco Chronicle
  		 
  Backed by hundreds of interviews and thousands of pages of USA Swimming files subpoenaed by the FBI, Irvin Muchnick uncovers a generation of cover-ups involving some of the sport’s biggest names
  		 
  The hundreds of millions who watch the thrilling spectacle of the Olympics are unaware of the extent to which their entertainment is undergirded by the systematic abuse by coaches of the underage athletes they develop. Many flag-waving fans gained some sense of the problem from the USA Gymnastics scandals, but for generations, the crimes in swimming have caused a much wider tsunami of pain and trauma around the world.
  		 
  Backed by thousands of pages of FBI files and the author’s independent investigations, Underwater is the first comprehensive account of this ongoing and unacceptable phenomenon. Irvin Muchnick, a well-known chronicler of the dark side of sports, pulls together shocking stories involving some of the most iconic coaches in swimming history and some of the sport’s most celebrated programs — including Michael Phelps’s. The book lays the blame not just at the feet of individual villains but also at a system that casually commodifies and sexualizes the vulnerable and non-consenting, prioritizing the pursuit of athletic scholarships, Olympic medals, glory, and riches.
  		 
  Underwater arrives just as a congressional commission has called for the first fundamental changes in the U.S. youth sports system in half a century. In the author’s estimation, this reform is the only real way to protect kids from the predation of the money-first stewards of professionalized sports.

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  Unsolved Mysteries - Uncovering...

  John Harpoon

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  This book consists of two titles: 
  - The Kraken: The Kraken, a legendary sea monster whose name evokes images of terror and fascination, has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. First emerging from the shadows of Scandinavian folklore, this giant creature—often described as a massive octopus or squid—has become one of the most iconic symbols of the unknown depths of the ocean. The allure of the Kraken lies in its mysterious nature, its ability to stir both fear and wonder, and the enduring question: is it merely a myth, or could there be some truth behind the legend? 
  - The World's Youngest Criminal Genius: In the annals of crime, there are few figures as captivating or as puzzling as Michael McCrudden, often dubbed "The World's Youngest Criminal Genius." This title, given by the media and sensationalized through various reports, paints a picture of a brilliant, almost calculating young mind who orchestrated elaborate criminal schemes before reaching adulthood. But who was Michael McCrudden really, and what drove him to the heights of criminality at such a tender age? The concept of a "criminal genius" is fraught with paradoxes. On one hand, it invokes admiration for the ingenuity behind complex scams and heists, while on the other, it raises questions about morality, ethics, and the law. McCrudden’s story is one of talent gone awry, where a sharp intellect that could have achieved greatness in legitimate fields was instead channeled into subversive and illegal activities. His life forces us to grapple with uncomfortable truths about how society sometimes rewards intelligence in the wrong contexts.

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  Lucky Luciano - Biography of an...

  Kelly Mass

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  Charles "Lucky" Luciano, originally born Salvatore Lucania, was a notorious Italian-American gangster who played a pivotal role in shaping the structure of organized crime in the United States. His rise to infamy began with his involvement in the Five Points gang, a prominent criminal group in New York City in the early 20th century. As Luciano climbed the criminal hierarchy, he became instrumental in forming the National Crime Syndicate, a coalition of mafia organizations across the U.S. This syndicate revolutionized organized crime by establishing a more centralized, corporate-like structure, reducing conflicts, and expanding illegal activities through cooperation among rival gangs. 
  One of Luciano’s defining moments was his involvement in the Castellammarese War, a bloody power struggle among Italian-American mafiosi. After orchestrating the assassination of Salvatore Maranzano, the last self-declared "boss of bosses," Luciano abolished the position altogether and established The Commission in 1931. The Commission was a governing body designed to mediate disputes and oversee the activities of various crime families, solidifying Luciano’s position as the architect of modern organized crime. He also founded what is known today as the Genovese crime family, which remains one of the most powerful Mafia families in the U.S.

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  In the Footsteps of Fear - The...

  Davis Truman

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  The Footsteps of Fear: The Unabomber's Manifesto, Ideology, Anarchy, and the Pursuit of Revolution takes readers on a gripping and thought-provoking journey into the life and mind of Theodore Kaczynski, the notorious figure known as the Unabomber. Delving deep into his motives, beliefs, and actions, this captivating book unravels the complex tapestry of his radical ideology and its lasting impact on society. 
  This book explores the early life and formative years of Theodore Kaczynski, shedding light on the experiences and events that shaped his worldview. From his academic brilliance to his disillusionment with modern society, we uncover the intriguing factors that propelled him toward a path of extremism. 
  Examining Kaczynski's infamous manifesto, "Industrial Society and Its Future," reveals the core ideologies and philosophical arguments underpinning his controversial worldview. Engaging in thoughtful analysis, the book explores the reception and impact of his manifesto, probing its influence on public discourse and its relevance in today's ever-changing world. 
  The book goes beyond mere examination, delving into the ethical implications of Kaczynski's actions and the wider debate surrounding them. It invites readers to reflect on the consequences of extremist violence and the boundaries of activism, challenging us to navigate the complexities of political and social discourse responsibly and compassionately. 
  It challenges readers to grapple with complex questions surrounding extremism, ideology, societal change, and the ethics of activism. The Footsteps of Fear is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of one of modern history's most intriguing and impactful cases.

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  Seattle’s Forgotten Serial...

  Cloyd Steiger

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  "An in-depth look at the 1971 trial of a serial killer who's been mostly forgotten—except to those who were forever impacted." —The Seattle Times 
   
   
   
  In 1969, the body of a young woman was discovered in the woods of Renton, rocking the communities along Puget Sound. Three more brutal murders followed, drawing the attention of multiple police agencies as they tried to piece together the meager clues left behind. The seemingly unrelated cases challenged detectives, who struggled to realize they were all connected to one man: Gary Gene Grant. Before the term "serial killer" was even coined, Grant stalked his prey, destroying lives and families while walking unseen among the masses. Decades later, his crimes have all but been forgotten. 
   
   
   
  Join author and homicide investigator Cloyd Steiger as he uncovers the story of the murderer who slipped through the cracks of history.

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