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Cella 2455. Braccio della morte
True autobiography of the "Red Light Bandit," convicted rapist/burglar Caryl Chessman, who escaped the electric chair 7 times while sitting on San Quentin prison's death, with massive public support & even then-governor Jerry Brown stepping in to stay his execution. When he was finally put to death on May 2, 1960, he became the first person executed for a nonlethal kidnapping in the US, & a cause celebre for anti-death-penalty advocates. He is now widely believed to have been innocent of many of the crimes of which he was convicted. includes 2 original articles on the case & execution from the Italian newspaper, Avanti! from 1960. Originally published in hardcover in 1954, this is the First mass market paperback edition from Perma Books (#M4063) issued in 1956; this is the 4th printing from May 1960r. Condition is completely clean inside, with NO writing/underlining/highlighting; NOT ex-lib. Pages tanned commensurate with age. Worst flaw is a cracked spine such that book falls open between pages 142-143. Minor edgewear, the worst of which is a chipped lower bottom corner of back cover. Nicely protected in new mylar collector bag Free! Please see our photos--they show the exact book you will receive from us, never "stock" images! Description & photos copyright Gargoyle Books 2019. Same Day Shipping on all orders received by 2 pm weekdays (Pacific time); weekends & holidays ship very next business day.
426 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1954
39 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
About the author
Caryl Chessman
18 books13 followersCaryl Whittier Chessman was a convicted robber, kidnapper and rapist who was sentenced to death for a series of crimes committed in January 1948 in the Los Angeles area. The "first modern American executed for a non-lethal kidnapping", Chessman was convicted under a loosely interpreted "Little Lindbergh law" – later repealed, but not retroactively – that defined kidnapping as a capital offense under certain circumstances. His case attracted worldwide attention, and helped propel the movement to abolish capital punishment in California.
While in prison, Chessman authored four books, including his memoirs Cell 2455, Death Row. The book was adapted for the screen in 1955 and stars William Campbell as Chessman.
While in prison, Chessman authored four books, including his memoirs Cell 2455, Death Row. The book was adapted for the screen in 1955 and stars William Campbell as Chessman.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 2, 2012
Un libro commovente per la precisa, sincera ricostruzione di una vita di odio e di crimini. Chessman non vuole la pena del lettore, né tantomeno giustificarsi per la serie di crimini da lui commessi nella sua vita: incise sulle pagine come col fuoco, le sue parole sottolineano allo sfinimento come la colpa delle sue scelte è solo sua, sua la responsabilità, sua la vita che si è scelto. Allo stesso tempo, condanna il sistema giudiziario, e non solo, l'organo dipsciplinare di un paese che non cerca di capire perché un ragazzo diventa criminale e quindi di aiutarlo, no: lo condanna senza guardarlo in faccia, mandandolo in mezzo ad altri delinquenti, possibilmente anche più spietati, malfattori, crudeli di lui, condannandolo così, nel 90% dei casi, a diventare un delinquente di ancora più bassa lega. Caryl Chessman condanna un sistema che non cerca di capire le rotelle che non funionano, ma le nasconde come polvere sotto un tappeto, dimenticandosene e, per questo motivo, causando un aumento della criminalità stessa: una società che si sente a posto solo quando il criminale è chiuso in gattabuia o è morto, e che non si interroga un secondo di più su questo fenomeno, non può che essere un territorio fertile per la delinquenza stessa. Questo è il pensiero di Caryl che illustra ampiamente in tutto il libro.
La storia che ci viene narrata - probabilmente in molti punti romanzata, ma non per questo meno efficace - risulta a tratti intollerabile, specie nella descrizione finale dell'assurda lotta per un diritto che a tutti dovrebbe essere concesso: quello alla vita.
Eppure, c'è un eppure, una notazione che in parte è all'edizione italiana, in parte, probabilmente, all'originale stesso da cui il traduttore prende l'idea per i termini scelti per la traduzione (almeno, mi auguro): la traduzione è pessima. Con numerosi e non indifferenti errori grammaticali - che vengono ripetuti e reiterati, dimostrando così che non si tratta di un errore occasionale ma di un'effettiva ignoranza grammaticale. Scelta di parole altisonanti che, specie nei dialoghi tra le varie persone, risultano irreali e causano un momento di pausa nel lettore che incespica per un momento chiedendosi "Ma che cav... ma chi è che dice una cosa del genere, nella vita reale?!".
A parte questo, il libro risulta godibilissimo, travolgente pagina dopo pagina e motivo di riflessioni per chi vuole fermarsi più di cinque secondi a pensare a Caryl e alla pena di morte subito dopo la lettura.
La storia che ci viene narrata - probabilmente in molti punti romanzata, ma non per questo meno efficace - risulta a tratti intollerabile, specie nella descrizione finale dell'assurda lotta per un diritto che a tutti dovrebbe essere concesso: quello alla vita.
Eppure, c'è un eppure, una notazione che in parte è all'edizione italiana, in parte, probabilmente, all'originale stesso da cui il traduttore prende l'idea per i termini scelti per la traduzione (almeno, mi auguro): la traduzione è pessima. Con numerosi e non indifferenti errori grammaticali - che vengono ripetuti e reiterati, dimostrando così che non si tratta di un errore occasionale ma di un'effettiva ignoranza grammaticale. Scelta di parole altisonanti che, specie nei dialoghi tra le varie persone, risultano irreali e causano un momento di pausa nel lettore che incespica per un momento chiedendosi "Ma che cav... ma chi è che dice una cosa del genere, nella vita reale?!".
A parte questo, il libro risulta godibilissimo, travolgente pagina dopo pagina e motivo di riflessioni per chi vuole fermarsi più di cinque secondi a pensare a Caryl e alla pena di morte subito dopo la lettura.
November 12, 2007
In 1948, Caryl (pronounced like Christmas carol!) Chessman was convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault, which at the time was a death penalty offense under the Lindburg law. He spent 12 years on death row and was executed in 1960 after several appeals had been exhausted.
What makes his story interesting is that he grew up mostly in the prison system, yet was so intelligent and well educated that he was able to represent himself at his trial. (He was also a total piece of shit who most likely killed at least one man and was convicted of raping three women.)
His defense strategy was very OJ. Except in Chessman's case, it didn't work. In a nutshell: I didn't do it. I know who did do it, but the Criminal's Code of Ethics won't allow me to snitch on a guy who pulled women over in his car using a red police light and then forced them to perform oral sex. I would rather risk death in the gas chamber than tattle.
Another interesting thing is that California Governor Pat Brown was vehemently against the death penalty, so even though Chessman was known as a hardened violent criminal, Brown was in favor of dropping Chessman's death sentence. This sign of "weakness" may have lead to the election of Richard Nixon as the state's next governor. (sigh.)
The book is long-winded and full of the bravado and lies of a narcissistic sociopath. My favorite part is when he escapes prison during WWII. After he is caught, Chessman claims he had only broken out in order to sneak into Germany and kill Hitler. What a guy.
What makes his story interesting is that he grew up mostly in the prison system, yet was so intelligent and well educated that he was able to represent himself at his trial. (He was also a total piece of shit who most likely killed at least one man and was convicted of raping three women.)
His defense strategy was very OJ. Except in Chessman's case, it didn't work. In a nutshell: I didn't do it. I know who did do it, but the Criminal's Code of Ethics won't allow me to snitch on a guy who pulled women over in his car using a red police light and then forced them to perform oral sex. I would rather risk death in the gas chamber than tattle.
Another interesting thing is that California Governor Pat Brown was vehemently against the death penalty, so even though Chessman was known as a hardened violent criminal, Brown was in favor of dropping Chessman's death sentence. This sign of "weakness" may have lead to the election of Richard Nixon as the state's next governor. (sigh.)
The book is long-winded and full of the bravado and lies of a narcissistic sociopath. My favorite part is when he escapes prison during WWII. After he is caught, Chessman claims he had only broken out in order to sneak into Germany and kill Hitler. What a guy.
July 11, 2008
Caryl Chessman was a career criminal, condemned to death row for kidnap, and rape. Raised by the state of California, Chessman grew up in juvenile halls, and the California Youth Authority prison system for juvenile offenders. From the beginning it appears Chessman never had a chance. He was condemned years before he was actually sentenced to die in the gas chamber at San Quentin. Disadvantaged, poor, rebellious, and angry at the injustice of the world: his mother paralyzed, his father’s ailing health, his own debilitating health issues as a child. Chessman found himself in crime – thumbing his nose at authority.
In writing Cell 2455, Death Row, Chessman was able to continue thumbing his nose, taunting the criminal justice system with his claims of innocence. Oddly enough it was his insistence of innocence the authorities used against him. Citing it as lack of remorse and successfully thwarting his appeals process. Yet Cell 2455 is not only Chessman’s autobiography where he recounts his youth and the crimes he committed as he progressed in his career as a criminal. It is also his argument as to why he became the person that he did.
His writing, at times boastful tirades, at times insightful reasoning into his criminal evolution, depicted his beliefs and insecurities that shaped his psyche. While it is obvious Chessman was very intelligent, if not brilliant. It is hard to find anything redeeming about him. After prolonged reading his tirades seem self-serving – continually regarding himself the victim – never fully taking responsibility for any of his actions. Rather, just as he sees the injustices done onto him as fate, he regards his own egregious digressions as acts of fate as well.
However, what the reader has to take into consideration is that Chessman was in fact a diagnosed sociopath incapable of accepting his part in anything. His antisocial behavior and lacking sense of moral responsibility or social conscience – are textbook sociopathic traits. Expecting normal human qualities like understanding, compassion or empathy from a man of Chessman’s caliber is futile at best. Further making it a rather difficult proposal for anyone to be sympathetic to his cause.
Yet Chessman ascertains that had he been given half a chance who knows what good he might have accomplished. Unfortunately his argument is overshadowed by his own admissions of giving up on any positive attempts he made in his life as soon as he experienced any obstacles or setbacks. It appears Chessman was his own worst enemy. His anger and self-loathing fueled his need for retribution, lashing out at a society he perceived had wronged him. When in fact his actions and destructive behaviors were the exact reason society implemented laws in the first place.
Ultimately Cell 2455, Death Row is a provocative and interesting read, if for nothing else than to enter Caryl Chessman’s mind.
In writing Cell 2455, Death Row, Chessman was able to continue thumbing his nose, taunting the criminal justice system with his claims of innocence. Oddly enough it was his insistence of innocence the authorities used against him. Citing it as lack of remorse and successfully thwarting his appeals process. Yet Cell 2455 is not only Chessman’s autobiography where he recounts his youth and the crimes he committed as he progressed in his career as a criminal. It is also his argument as to why he became the person that he did.
His writing, at times boastful tirades, at times insightful reasoning into his criminal evolution, depicted his beliefs and insecurities that shaped his psyche. While it is obvious Chessman was very intelligent, if not brilliant. It is hard to find anything redeeming about him. After prolonged reading his tirades seem self-serving – continually regarding himself the victim – never fully taking responsibility for any of his actions. Rather, just as he sees the injustices done onto him as fate, he regards his own egregious digressions as acts of fate as well.
However, what the reader has to take into consideration is that Chessman was in fact a diagnosed sociopath incapable of accepting his part in anything. His antisocial behavior and lacking sense of moral responsibility or social conscience – are textbook sociopathic traits. Expecting normal human qualities like understanding, compassion or empathy from a man of Chessman’s caliber is futile at best. Further making it a rather difficult proposal for anyone to be sympathetic to his cause.
Yet Chessman ascertains that had he been given half a chance who knows what good he might have accomplished. Unfortunately his argument is overshadowed by his own admissions of giving up on any positive attempts he made in his life as soon as he experienced any obstacles or setbacks. It appears Chessman was his own worst enemy. His anger and self-loathing fueled his need for retribution, lashing out at a society he perceived had wronged him. When in fact his actions and destructive behaviors were the exact reason society implemented laws in the first place.
Ultimately Cell 2455, Death Row is a provocative and interesting read, if for nothing else than to enter Caryl Chessman’s mind.
April 2, 2024
Retrouvé (et relu, rare) un vieux bouquin, une histoire qui m'avait tenu longtemps en haleine, quand j'étais adolescent: celle de Carryl Chesman, qui s'est battu -en vain- pendant des années pour tenter de prouver son innocence dans le meurtre dont il était accusé. Des années dans ce couloir de la mort. Chesman était un petit gangster de banlieue, il ne l'a jamais nié, mais, affirmait-il, il n'avait jamais blessé ni tué. Pour se défendre au mieux, il a étudié, entre autres, le droit en prison. Il a écrit lui-même ses bouquins, celui-ci n'est pas l'unique. Il ne vise pas un prix littéraire mais sa défense est émouvante, elle prend aux tripes, elle émeut, même si on ne peut être convaincu de façon absolue de son innocence...
Il sera exécuté, malgré tous les doutes qui subsistaient. Les USA, certains Etats, n'avaient pas encore entendu (ce sera plus tard) le cri de Robert Batinder en France, l'avocat qui avait obtenu l'abolition de la peine de mort en hurlant à la barre:"Quand vous l'aurez coupé en deux, vous ne pourrez jamais plus le libérer si l'on comprend un jour qu'il est innocent".
Aujourd'hui, dans son programme, Donald Trump promet de rétablir partout la peine de mort et d'organiser des exécutions collectives, plus spectaculaires. Sans doute inspiré par son ami nord-coréen Kim Jong-Un. Espoir: que ça reste des mots sans suite.
Il sera exécuté, malgré tous les doutes qui subsistaient. Les USA, certains Etats, n'avaient pas encore entendu (ce sera plus tard) le cri de Robert Batinder en France, l'avocat qui avait obtenu l'abolition de la peine de mort en hurlant à la barre:"Quand vous l'aurez coupé en deux, vous ne pourrez jamais plus le libérer si l'on comprend un jour qu'il est innocent".
Aujourd'hui, dans son programme, Donald Trump promet de rétablir partout la peine de mort et d'organiser des exécutions collectives, plus spectaculaires. Sans doute inspiré par son ami nord-coréen Kim Jong-Un. Espoir: que ça reste des mots sans suite.
September 3, 2022
3.5 stars. I liked the parts of the book that take place before Chessman’s death sentence the best. His life up until his final imprisonment on death row was very interesting. It was a bit of a slog reading about his court travails and all of his many appeals.
December 21, 2022
Caryl Chessman autor de este libro fue un famoso ladrón estadounidense que logró evitar la cámara de gas durante varios años y en ese libro narra su historia. Me gustó mucho como narra su historia, es muy probable que exagerara en algunas de sus aventuras o que él las viera así desde su perspectiva pero si me atrapó, me hubiera gustado que hubiera seguido escribiendo hasta antes de su ejecución pero supongo en su momento tenía muchas cosas que pensar y no podía seguir escribiendo sobre lo mismo indefinidamente.
Inicialmente el libro comienza como si fuera escrito por otra persona narrando como un hombre duro tanto física como psicológicamente se encuentra en la celda 2455 del pabellón de la muerte esperando su cita con la cámara de gas, este hombre es Caryl Chessman. El fue un niño hijo único de una pareja muy unida y económicamente estable, sin embargo, este pequeño a muy temprana edad presentó muchos problemas de salud lo que representaba un gasto fuerte para su familia, esto aunado al intento de suicidio de su papá hicieron que esta pequeña familia pasara por momentos muy complicados. La frustración de Chessman al ver como vivían sus padres siendo personas buenas y anegadas unidas a la iglesia y que parecía que la vida nunca les sonreía, hizo que se uniera a un pequeño grupo de jóvenes que eran unos ladrones de poca monta y fue con ellos con quien cometió su primer delito.
De ahí en delante fue una vida de hurtos, asaltos y visitas a la correccional o cárcel hasta que finalmente como adulto fue capturado y acusado de secuestro, abuso y robo e identificado como el bandido de la luz roja. El siempre negó a ver sido esa persona y a pesar de aceptar muchos crímenes ese en específico dijo que se lo cargaron injustamente solo por su fama, por lo que en la cárcel el estudio derecho y latín para convertirse en su propio abogado y logró evitar durante 12 años la pena de muerte mientras que al mismo tiempo escribo 4 libros.
Inicialmente el libro comienza como si fuera escrito por otra persona narrando como un hombre duro tanto física como psicológicamente se encuentra en la celda 2455 del pabellón de la muerte esperando su cita con la cámara de gas, este hombre es Caryl Chessman. El fue un niño hijo único de una pareja muy unida y económicamente estable, sin embargo, este pequeño a muy temprana edad presentó muchos problemas de salud lo que representaba un gasto fuerte para su familia, esto aunado al intento de suicidio de su papá hicieron que esta pequeña familia pasara por momentos muy complicados. La frustración de Chessman al ver como vivían sus padres siendo personas buenas y anegadas unidas a la iglesia y que parecía que la vida nunca les sonreía, hizo que se uniera a un pequeño grupo de jóvenes que eran unos ladrones de poca monta y fue con ellos con quien cometió su primer delito.
De ahí en delante fue una vida de hurtos, asaltos y visitas a la correccional o cárcel hasta que finalmente como adulto fue capturado y acusado de secuestro, abuso y robo e identificado como el bandido de la luz roja. El siempre negó a ver sido esa persona y a pesar de aceptar muchos crímenes ese en específico dijo que se lo cargaron injustamente solo por su fama, por lo que en la cárcel el estudio derecho y latín para convertirse en su propio abogado y logró evitar durante 12 años la pena de muerte mientras que al mismo tiempo escribo 4 libros.
August 16, 2022
He had good literary skills, no doubt about it. First part was ok, the second one is a combo of grandiose BS and energy fueled at writing that fortunately for him helped him earn a substantial amount of money while in the lock up. Third part gives incriminating evidence by bits and pieces he had up to then failed to disclose and "coincidences" start falling in place. Chessman should have been grateful to all the thousands of readers, specially for taking the time to bother with all his contradictory, pseudolegaloid expertise acquired in the Row. I hoped all along this tiresome last chapter he had provided with an answer for treatment of criminals of his kind and proof of his innocence of not having raped the plaintiffs. I read and read along this last chapter in vain. Had I been judge I'd have given him forty years without the possibility of parole so he could chill out or a visit to Dr Walter Freeman's office. He could have his choice. Two soups only. He could have his pick. His dog Tubby, his parents, his hills, earplugs while in San Quentin, his weight training are things I can relate to. His recidivism and escapades are somewhat tiresome and purposeless as his view of life. If true, highly energetic but misdirected zest for transcendence.
August 11, 2018
I bought this book from the kindle store because I’ve heard so many people say that Caryl Chessman’s writings , and specifically this book were genius and transcendental in self awareness.. unfortunately, it was all a bit contrived for me. While Chessman’s writing is very good for a self taught person who really wasn’t formally educated , I’ve read honestly not only better books by people in prison, but read better writing from people on death row. Chessmen switches from telling an autobiographical story about a guy named “Whit” and then sort of in the third act switches to the first person. It felt like the justifications he used on how society turned its back on him and how he then turned his back on society were just a little too perfect . It felt like his description of himself as a preternaturally gifted criminal were contrived and written to make one think him a criminal genius . Certainly Chessmen in his fight to avoid execution was genius, especially given that he did a lot of not all of his own strategy and research in deciding what course to take with the courts to avoid execution which he successfully did past I think 7 execution dates before he was finally put to death. I’m a staunch death penalty abolishist ,I don’t believe the death penalty is ever acceptable under any circumstances or for any crime. I am easily sympathetic to people facing the death penalty because I feel like it’s not justice but vengeance that society pursues ( something Chessman voices as well ) and truly believe that by the time they get around to executing someone, they are not even executing the same person who was convicted. People change so dramatically in prison over the course of 15 to 20 years , the person being executed is often not the same person mentally as the person who faced trial, but this book simply felt like the author was speaking from a high place of wisdom over and above that of society, and certainly in 1954 that may have been the case. I guess in total, I expected to be absorbed completely by the book and was disappointed when I was not . Finally, I have no ideas I’d the editorial issues in this eBook were carried over from the print version, or if it’s just the eBook format that has them, but there are a lot of editorial issues. The eBook is rife with misspellings that interrupt the flow of dialogue of the narrative.
March 8, 2009
This is the real-life story of a man who was condemned to death for being the Red Light Bandit.
While on death row for 12 years, he became a lawyer; and an author of two best selling books.
It is excellent.
While on death row for 12 years, he became a lawyer; and an author of two best selling books.
It is excellent.
December 1, 2012
Great read! Chessman was a talented author.
April 10, 2022
No es un libro para leer de una sentada.
Hay partes que realmente se hacen bastante pesadas.
Hay partes que realmente se hacen bastante pesadas.
April 10, 2018
This book was well written by Chessman while he was in San Quentin Prison in California. Born in 1921, Chessman was the only child to very loving parents, particularly his mother who adored him. He was quite ill as a child and did have asthma and at one point, encephalitis. With the Depression came bad times for his parents financially and his mother became paralyzed after a car accident. She received a settlement from the accident and his father spent the money on specialty doctors to try and help Mrs. Chessman walk again. But all failed and Chessman ended up stealing food and other items to help them. He eventually got caught and was sent to a reform school. At reform school, for some reason his asthma did not cause him many problems. He was warned to straighten up by staff when got out of reform school, but did not listen and got involved stealing cars and burglarizing stores with his "friends." He ended up back in reform school and the Judge who sentenced him told him that once he reached 18, as an adult, if he didn't straighten out his ways, he would end up San Quentin Prison, which the Judge said would be much worse than reform school. But, Chessman continued his life of crime and ended up in and out of prisons (one of which he had even escaped) and despite not having committed murder, he eventually ended up on death row, due to the Federal Kidnapping Act 18 U.S.C. § 1201(a)(1) (popularly known as the Lindbergh Law, or Little Lindbergh Law). Chessman allegedly kidnapped two women and committed sexual assault on them. He claimed his innocence of these crimes as well as many robberies that he was accused of. He was told that he was beyond rehabilitation and was given two death sentences. While on death row, he represented himself on his own appeals, staying his execution several times. Nonetheless, he was executed on May 2, 1960, when he was 38 years old in San Quentin, California. Of course, now, a murder or murders have to have been committed for an individual to be put on death row in U.S. states where it is legal. This book was very interesting, but I felt that it really was sad that Chessman who was obviously intelligent was so self-destructive.
September 17, 2021
Big Red was a two hundred and eighty pound man who had beaten another man to death in a drunken bar brawl. He refused his final meal and instead drank black coffee in preparation for San Quentin's gas chamber. It was October of 1952 and Red removed his photo of Ike from his cell wall and headed to the death room. An escort-guard was handed Dwight's portrait. Thus begins Caryl Chessman's haunting tale of introspection. Mom was abandoned at birth to a foundling home and dad twice attempted suicide during the Great Depression. A car accident paralyzed the boys mother and the young teen stole food in order to feed the family. The asthmatic boy narrowly escaped death from encephalitis and was never the same after recovering. Stolen cars became an early hobby and multiple stays at a reform school only sharpened his criminal mind. At seventeen, he robbed eight bordellos(a 1930's term) and took up with “loose” women. The cash was given to a private investigator in order to find his mother's birth parents. Chessman wrote this remarkable journal from a four and a half by ten and a half foot cell in 1955 during his stay in San Quentin Prison. Somehow, Chessman married at nineteen, in between robberies and car chases and shoot-outs with the police. Prison did not tone down our narrator and in 1948, his final arrest was for the “Red Light Bandit” case of robbery, abduction and rape. He represented himself, filing massive appeals for twelve years. He admitted to his lifelong crime spree but denied to the end the crime for which he was convicted. “The state proposes to send me to the great beyond. I traded fear for hate because I am afraid of nothing. I believe in nothing and have faith in nothing.” After twelve years on death row, Chessman was put to death in 1960. Cell 2455 is a great read and I have attached a website story lending credence to Chessman's denials. http://crimemagazine.com/wrongful-exe...
August 23, 2019
Sono due giorni che per caso mi imbatto in notizie, storiche o contemporanee, di condannati a morte. Di persone che erano, sicuramente o molto probabilmente, innocenti. Guarda caso, una delle letture di queste periodo è stata proprio un'autobiografia di un condannato a morte che normalmente, se non per qualche citazione sporadica, non sarebbe approdato qui, neanche nel resoconto delle migliori letture dell'anno. Ma viste le particolari circostanze, detto libro 'cade a fagiolo'.
Caryl Chessman, rapinatore attivo intorno agli anni '40 in America, ci racconta quella che è stata la sua vita, compiendo un'analisi lucida e spietata di cosa lo ha portato ad essere un delinquente incallito, non togliendosi nessuna colpa, anzi, addossandosene completamente, anche quelle di altri. Ma non è solo questo: è essenzialmente un j'accuse verso il sistema giudiziario americano, dal fallimento della riabilitazione del riformatorio, passando poi per il carcere.
Ma soprattutto quel sistema che decide che sei colpevole e che devi morire anche se tu, quel crimine, non lo hai mai commesso.
Questo è quello che succede a Chessman: condannato a ben due condanne a morte per rapine, sequestri di persona e stupri avvenute durante gli anni '40 ad opera di un uomo che si avvicinava a coppie appartate in una macchina dotata di lampeggiante rosso come quello delle forze dell'ordine. Peccato che Chessman ruba una macchina simile. E poco importa se il violentatore è un uomo ispanico, con tratti fisici diversi e con accento marcato; ancora meno importa se la confessione ti viene estorta. Ancora meno importa se tu vuoi difenderti da solo per non finire nella camera a gas: non lo puoi fare, non è permesso, devi per forza morire.
Non è un libro che fa gridare al capolavoro ma è un libro 'pesante', va digerito con calma, necessita di tempo per poter essere elaborato.
Per inciso, l'esecuzione di Chessman venne rimandata dodici volte; anzi, no, tredici. L'ultima è stata proprio quando era nella camera a gas: rimandata perché un giornale avrebbe potuto dimostrare la sua innocenza.
Caryl Chessman, rapinatore attivo intorno agli anni '40 in America, ci racconta quella che è stata la sua vita, compiendo un'analisi lucida e spietata di cosa lo ha portato ad essere un delinquente incallito, non togliendosi nessuna colpa, anzi, addossandosene completamente, anche quelle di altri. Ma non è solo questo: è essenzialmente un j'accuse verso il sistema giudiziario americano, dal fallimento della riabilitazione del riformatorio, passando poi per il carcere.
Ma soprattutto quel sistema che decide che sei colpevole e che devi morire anche se tu, quel crimine, non lo hai mai commesso.
Questo è quello che succede a Chessman: condannato a ben due condanne a morte per rapine, sequestri di persona e stupri avvenute durante gli anni '40 ad opera di un uomo che si avvicinava a coppie appartate in una macchina dotata di lampeggiante rosso come quello delle forze dell'ordine. Peccato che Chessman ruba una macchina simile. E poco importa se il violentatore è un uomo ispanico, con tratti fisici diversi e con accento marcato; ancora meno importa se la confessione ti viene estorta. Ancora meno importa se tu vuoi difenderti da solo per non finire nella camera a gas: non lo puoi fare, non è permesso, devi per forza morire.
Non è un libro che fa gridare al capolavoro ma è un libro 'pesante', va digerito con calma, necessita di tempo per poter essere elaborato.
Per inciso, l'esecuzione di Chessman venne rimandata dodici volte; anzi, no, tredici. L'ultima è stata proprio quando era nella camera a gas: rimandata perché un giornale avrebbe potuto dimostrare la sua innocenza.
December 25, 2025
Tre stelle per la lettura, una stella in più perché un carcerato che parla di carceri in tempi recenti (sì, gli anni '50 li considero recenti) vale almeno quanto una foto di Cesare Beccaria che fa un bocchino a Foucault.
Ho letto la prima edizione italiana pubblicata, comunque il libro è facile da leggere, una biografia al dir poco avvincente, sia quando si tratta di rubare auto che di stare letteralmente nella stessa cella per diversi mesi.
Consigliatissimo con un piccolo monito non sempre chiaro: questa lettura è un ottimo primo passo per la decostruzione della nostra visione comune dei carcerati, Caryl Chessman era un criminale e questo è il motore dell'oppressione di cui parla il libro, ossia la privazione della libertà personale, la coercizione, l'allontanamento prolungato dalla società e la difficoltà nel reinserimento; Caryl Chessman non era una brava persona e questo è il segno della sua umanità su cui concentrarsi, la giustizia lo ha fallito anche con sotterfugi e marginalizzazione sistematica.
Dopo aver letto questo libro,
se incontraste un piccolo Caryl Chessman che fareste?
(Magari vi accoltella eh, ma bisogna sospendere il giudizio ogni tanto)
Ho letto la prima edizione italiana pubblicata, comunque il libro è facile da leggere, una biografia al dir poco avvincente, sia quando si tratta di rubare auto che di stare letteralmente nella stessa cella per diversi mesi.
Consigliatissimo con un piccolo monito non sempre chiaro: questa lettura è un ottimo primo passo per la decostruzione della nostra visione comune dei carcerati, Caryl Chessman era un criminale e questo è il motore dell'oppressione di cui parla il libro, ossia la privazione della libertà personale, la coercizione, l'allontanamento prolungato dalla società e la difficoltà nel reinserimento; Caryl Chessman non era una brava persona e questo è il segno della sua umanità su cui concentrarsi, la giustizia lo ha fallito anche con sotterfugi e marginalizzazione sistematica.
Dopo aver letto questo libro,
se incontraste un piccolo Caryl Chessman che fareste?
(Magari vi accoltella eh, ma bisogna sospendere il giudizio ogni tanto)
February 22, 2020
La primera parte me enganchó y no podía dejar de leer. No entiendo por qué delinquía sabiendo lo que podía pasarle, teniendo unos padres que lo querían, una mujer que lo adoraba; tenía una vida que disfrutar y siguió retando a la justicia. Era como si quisiera ganarle, como si compitiera con los policías en un juego cuyo único final fuera la muerte. Podía haber dejado de delinquir y tener una vida; en cambio siguió y siguió hasta que al final le acusaron por un delito que no había cometido. Fue llevado a la cámara de gas por algo que no había hecho. Su caso fue un ejemplo perfecto de que la pena de muerte no es justa, es defectuosa, ya que muchos inocentes son ejecutados. No compensa. Hicieron una película y una serie sobre la vida de Chessman.
October 2, 2022
"A social abbatoir. That is Death Row. It is nothing more."
Chessman was the longest standing man on death row at the time and avoided it 8 times in 12 years fightinghis legal battle alone. He was the first prisioner to represent himself. While writing 3 books about his life. He was the last man killed in California for a crime that wasn't murder.
He knew he was an anti-social, narcissistic type and had good insight about it, which I think is rare. He came from a loving family too, which is unusual. At times the book can be boring as his crime spree and spectacular escapes are numerous. But his questioning mind, his literary gift and his confrontation with society are all a must read. His book is a gem.
Chessman was the longest standing man on death row at the time and avoided it 8 times in 12 years fightinghis legal battle alone. He was the first prisioner to represent himself. While writing 3 books about his life. He was the last man killed in California for a crime that wasn't murder.
He knew he was an anti-social, narcissistic type and had good insight about it, which I think is rare. He came from a loving family too, which is unusual. At times the book can be boring as his crime spree and spectacular escapes are numerous. But his questioning mind, his literary gift and his confrontation with society are all a must read. His book is a gem.
November 5, 2023
3.5 stars
I found this book at the last bookstore for $1. it was falling apart and a few pages were gone (so the hitler story was missing and confusing)
pulpy, not great writing but I guess well written for a death row inmate in the 40s 😅
I wonder what Chessman would think of A Clockwork Orange. the problem of crime and criminals-- I wonder if today we have more sympathy for them. wild stories, I'm generally pro death penalty but this seems ... not great. it's interesting to get into his head and perspectives, and also wonder how much of the details was really true
I found this book at the last bookstore for $1. it was falling apart and a few pages were gone (so the hitler story was missing and confusing)
pulpy, not great writing but I guess well written for a death row inmate in the 40s 😅
I wonder what Chessman would think of A Clockwork Orange. the problem of crime and criminals-- I wonder if today we have more sympathy for them. wild stories, I'm generally pro death penalty but this seems ... not great. it's interesting to get into his head and perspectives, and also wonder how much of the details was really true
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Thought-provoking and sharply written, a darkly beautiful societal critique written by a man who fought against society when both free of and condemned to life behind bars. Definitely found myself feeling quite emotional at the end. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the sheer length of the middle section of the book, detailing petty crimes and nighttime chases that were a bit hard to picture and thus difficult to follow... but, pushing through to the last 100 pages proved so worth it!
January 3, 2025
Read kindle version, my first kindle book, in December 2024. The book started slower and with more about his early childhood than I had expected. And while it remained a bit disjointed throughout I grew to enjoy the story and the writing style.
June 20, 2019
Perturbador.
May 11, 2023
To sum up, it shows and explains one's inner destructive self.
I liked the book since I believe it is beneficial for everyone to understand the perspective of others.
I liked the book since I believe it is beneficial for everyone to understand the perspective of others.
January 19, 2021
Caryl Chessman è il protagonista di quello che oggi chiameremmo Memoir: in questo volume, infatti, ci racconta frammenti della sua vita, prima e dopo la scelta. Ma di che scelta parliamo? Quella del crimine, del fuorilegge, del condannato.
Caryl attraverso l'excursus della sua vita ci porta pian piano nella sua mente per spiegare come mai abbia scelto o sia stato indotto a scegliere di vivere come un criminale. Non ci chiede di essere comprensivi o di giustificarlo, ci chiede solo di ascoltare i suoi perché. Giusti o sbagliati che siano.
Caryl non vuole pietà, ma non vuole nemmeno accettare una sentenza di condanna a morte per un reato che sostiene zelantemente di non aver commesso. Non si nasconde, non dice di essere innocente su tutti i fronti, anzi sa di avere un passato burrascoso dal punto di vista penale e sa di dover rendere conto alla società sui suoi misfatti, però vuole avere la giusta condanna per i suoi crimini, non per quelli degli altri.
Caryl, infatti, viene condannato a morte per una serie di omicidi e violenze sessuali di cui si proclama assolutamente estraneo, aggiungendo di conoscere il nome del vero autore dei delitti. Nome che non può e non vuole rivelare per paura di ripercussioni sui suoi cari.
Ma oltre a raccontare la sua storia, l'autore ci porta a riflettere sulle voragini del sistema riformatorio e penitenziario, un sistema fallace tanto quanto la pena capitale.
Il nucleo di queste riflessioni, però, è più interessante scoprirlo leggendo l'opera più che un'umile recensione!
È importante ricordare che non ci troviamo certo di fronte a una scrittura stilisticamente impeccabile e studiata, ma per rispetto alle condizioni in cui è stato scritto il libro e al suo scopo ultimo, non sarei troppo severa su questo.
Caryl attraverso l'excursus della sua vita ci porta pian piano nella sua mente per spiegare come mai abbia scelto o sia stato indotto a scegliere di vivere come un criminale. Non ci chiede di essere comprensivi o di giustificarlo, ci chiede solo di ascoltare i suoi perché. Giusti o sbagliati che siano.
Caryl non vuole pietà, ma non vuole nemmeno accettare una sentenza di condanna a morte per un reato che sostiene zelantemente di non aver commesso. Non si nasconde, non dice di essere innocente su tutti i fronti, anzi sa di avere un passato burrascoso dal punto di vista penale e sa di dover rendere conto alla società sui suoi misfatti, però vuole avere la giusta condanna per i suoi crimini, non per quelli degli altri.
Caryl, infatti, viene condannato a morte per una serie di omicidi e violenze sessuali di cui si proclama assolutamente estraneo, aggiungendo di conoscere il nome del vero autore dei delitti. Nome che non può e non vuole rivelare per paura di ripercussioni sui suoi cari.
Ma oltre a raccontare la sua storia, l'autore ci porta a riflettere sulle voragini del sistema riformatorio e penitenziario, un sistema fallace tanto quanto la pena capitale.
Il nucleo di queste riflessioni, però, è più interessante scoprirlo leggendo l'opera più che un'umile recensione!
È importante ricordare che non ci troviamo certo di fronte a una scrittura stilisticamente impeccabile e studiata, ma per rispetto alle condizioni in cui è stato scritto il libro e al suo scopo ultimo, non sarei troppo severa su questo.
May 24, 2012
Un libro imprescindible para entender el eterno debate sobre la pena de muerte en el mundo.
El autor, sentenciado a la pena capital en 1948 (a sus 27 años de edad) es transportado a la penitenciaría de San Quintín y recluído al "Pabellón de la muerte".
Allí, con una frialdad impresionante, se forma en Derecho Penal y Latín, escribe tres libros autobiográficos y una novela.
Desde el primer día, asume su auto-defensa y busca la luz en los recovecos legales, encontrando amparo en sucesivas apelaciones, que frenan una a una, cada fecha de ejecución, en ocho ocasiones.
En el momento de escribir este libro, han transcurrido unos cinco años desde la sentencia y no sólo describe su agitada vida criminal, sino que trata de aportar soluciones al problema de la delincuencia patológica, para erradicarlo en sus primeras fases.
Siempre defendió su inocencia por los delitos concretos de que se le acusó, aunque admitía haber llevado a cabo otros muchos, de los que en parte ya cumplía condena.
Nunca se le acusó de cometer asesinatos, pero las dos sentencias de muerte fueron la respuesta del estado de California a dos casos de secuestro, que por la Ley Lindbergh eran penados con la muerte.
Finalmente, a los doce años de la sentencia, en Mayo de 1960, Caryl Chessman fué ejecutado en la cámara de gas de San Quintín.
Antes había dejado una nota:
"En mi existencia fuí culpable de muchos crímenes, pero no de aquellos por los que me habéis arrebatado la vida.
Ahora que el Estado se ha tomado su venganza, me gustaría preguntarle al mundo qué ha ganado con ello".
El autor, sentenciado a la pena capital en 1948 (a sus 27 años de edad) es transportado a la penitenciaría de San Quintín y recluído al "Pabellón de la muerte".
Allí, con una frialdad impresionante, se forma en Derecho Penal y Latín, escribe tres libros autobiográficos y una novela.
Desde el primer día, asume su auto-defensa y busca la luz en los recovecos legales, encontrando amparo en sucesivas apelaciones, que frenan una a una, cada fecha de ejecución, en ocho ocasiones.
En el momento de escribir este libro, han transcurrido unos cinco años desde la sentencia y no sólo describe su agitada vida criminal, sino que trata de aportar soluciones al problema de la delincuencia patológica, para erradicarlo en sus primeras fases.
Siempre defendió su inocencia por los delitos concretos de que se le acusó, aunque admitía haber llevado a cabo otros muchos, de los que en parte ya cumplía condena.
Nunca se le acusó de cometer asesinatos, pero las dos sentencias de muerte fueron la respuesta del estado de California a dos casos de secuestro, que por la Ley Lindbergh eran penados con la muerte.
Finalmente, a los doce años de la sentencia, en Mayo de 1960, Caryl Chessman fué ejecutado en la cámara de gas de San Quintín.
Antes había dejado una nota:
"En mi existencia fuí culpable de muchos crímenes, pero no de aquellos por los que me habéis arrebatado la vida.
Ahora que el Estado se ha tomado su venganza, me gustaría preguntarle al mundo qué ha ganado con ello".
April 16, 2015
I'd heard of Chessman but didn't know what he was known for. After reading the book, I can see why it has such an anti-capital punishment theme and Chessman's a bit preachy but with good reason. The man was innocent of the death penalty crimes for which he was charged (The Red Light Bandit) but those crimes weren't made very clear.
I'm reading parts of the book, "When You Read This, They will Have Killed Me" by Alan Bisbort which explains these crimes much clearer. Bisbort also shows how the times and the place in which Chessman lived sent him to the gas chamber.
Also, I find it hard to have sympathy (for which he doesn't ask) for someone who has good opportunities and blows them.
I'm reading parts of the book, "When You Read This, They will Have Killed Me" by Alan Bisbort which explains these crimes much clearer. Bisbort also shows how the times and the place in which Chessman lived sent him to the gas chamber.
Also, I find it hard to have sympathy (for which he doesn't ask) for someone who has good opportunities and blows them.
July 29, 2016
If you are interested in what goes on inside the mind of a psychopathic criminal, as I am, then you will enjoy this book. Caryl Chessman writes well as he tells you the story of his life, and brings you into his mind. His book is obviously self-serving, as he tells you his version of the truth, or hides the things he doesn't want you to know about, trying to gain your sympathy for his cause (he didn't want to die in the gas chamber, though he eventually did). But he speaks eloquently and intelligently, and gives us some insights into this particular criminal's mind.
Read
January 9, 2015Good read. As the book progressed you could tell Chessman was an intelligent, articulate, when he wanted to be, psychopath. The last few pages seemed to go on and on, trying desperately to impress. I feel sorry for his life situations, but still believe you don't have to follow a path of destruction just because you feel society dealt you the wrong hand. Could he have changed? Only those who truly knew him would know.
Want to read
August 4, 2012I haven't read it yet but I can't believe how easy it is to get a copy now must be back in print I searched book shops for years back in the late 80s after I heard Caryl Chessmans story, an finally got it when the internet started up an were selling second hand books online. I will read it soon.
August 3, 2016
We relive Caryl Chessman's life as he awaits the end of his life on death row. This has surely made me reconsider crime and punishment, the death penalty and the ideas of why people turn to crime. I still don't have all the answers but a gripping read !!
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