Who Owns Death? - by Robert J Lifton & Greg Mitchell (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this timely book, Robert Jay Lifton and Greg Mitchell investigate the mindsets of individuals involved in the death penalty -- including prison wardens, prosecutors, jurors, religious figures, governors, judges, and relatives of murder victims -- and offer a textured look at a system that perpetuates the longstanding American habit of violence.

Richly rewarding and meticulously researched, Who Owns Death? explores the history of the death penalty in the United States, from hanging to lethal injection, and considers what this search for more "humane" executions reveals about us as individuals and as a society... and what the future of the death penalty holds for us all.

Review Quotes

"[Lifton and Mitchell] probe beneath the surface debate...They have made a landmark contribution."-- Hugo Adam Bedau, author of "The Death Penalty in America""Who Owns Death? is an eloquent revelation of the underside of death as punishment....This book "informs."-- Gerry L. Spence, attorney and author of "Give Me Liberty!"Bravo! "Who Owns Death? makes plain that America...is having second -- and better -- thoughts."-- Mario Cuomo, former governor"A penetrating look at the clashing impulses underlying America's passionate embrace of the death penalty...Indispensable reading."-- Anthony G. Amsterdam, Judge Edward Weinfield Professor of Law, New York University"The conversation we so badly need on the death penalty is finally underway."-- William S. McFeely, author of "Proximity to Death"In this comprehensive, fact-finding analysis, Lifton and Mitchell challenge conventional thinking...An absolute 'must' read."-- Walter F. Sullivan, Bishop of Richmond"[A] compelling censure of capital punishment in America...Convincing and impassioned without being maudlin."-- "Kirkus"[B]oth opponents and supporters of the death penalty will find themselves enriched by this book."-- "Publisher's Weekly"[The authors] have powerfully advanced an argument about growing...skepticism toward the death penalty in America in this important book." -- "The Los Angeles Times..".[An] impassioned and informative piece of writing on a melancholy subject." -- "The Economist"An intelligent, rigorous, thought-provoking book." -- "Booklist"Essential for anyone involved in the death penalty debate." -- "Library Journal"[T]heir succinct yet comprehensive book, if read widely and carefully, may serve as a significantcatalyst?." -- "Time Out New York"this important book...succeed[s] admirably."-- "San Diego Union Tribune"In eloquently grim detail...Lifton and Mitchell have powerfully advanced an argument about growing public skepticism towards the death penalty..."-- "Los Angeles Times..".a remarkable testimony to the authors' skills and the clarity of their writing..."-- the "New York Times Book Review