The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century

Discover the mesmerizing tale of a Renaissance-era executioner and the tumultuous world he inhabited. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary journal of Meister Frantz Schmidt, a man who carried out the ultimate acts of punishment during the sixteenth century. With over 394 executions to his name, and countless more acts of torture, flogging, and disfigurement, his story is both shocking and captivating.

Joel F. Harrington, a renowned historian, stumbled upon this rare journal tucked away in a dusty old bookshop in Germany. Intrigued by what he discovered, Harrington delves deep into the life of Schmidt, peeling back the layers to reveal a man who defies all expectations. Is it possible for someone perpetrating such acts of cruelty to possess insight, compassion, and even progressiveness?

In "The Faithful Executioner", Harrington skillfully deciphers the hidden meanings and drama within Schmidt's journal. As an official outcast, Meister Frantz was on a relentless pursuit to prove his worthiness of honor and to eradicate the stigma his profession cast on his children. Harrington unveils the lesser-known aspects of Schmidt's life, including the shocking crimes of the time, the alternate path of medicine he felt drawn towards, and his lifelong struggle to reconcile his duties with his religious faith.

This groundbreaking and intimate portrait by Harrington challenges our perceptions of justice, punishment, and humanity. It offers a glimpse into a world that may seem distant, but one in which we can find striking parallels to our own understanding of these fundamental aspects of society. Immerse yourself in this gripping historical account and uncover the complexities of justice through the eyes of "The Faithful Executioner".

Click here to embark on this captivating journey and explore the pages of "The Faithful Executioner: Life and Death, Honor and Shame in the Turbulent Sixteenth Century."