The Bloody Century

by Robert Wilhelm

A murderous atmosphere pervaded nineteenth century America unlike anything seen before or since. Lurid murder stories dominated newspaper headlines, and as if responding to the need for sensational copy, Americans everywhere began to see murder as a solution to their problems. The Bloody Century retells their stories; some still famous, some long buried, all endlessly fascinating.
The Bloody Century is a collection of true stories of ordinary Americans, driven by desperation, greed, jealousy or an irrational bloodlust, to take the life of someone around them. The book includes facts, motives, circumstances and outcomes, narrating fifty of the most intriguing murder cases of nineteenth century America. Richly illustrated with scenes and portraits originally published at the time of the murders, and including songs and poems written to commemorate the crimes, The Bloody Century invokes a fitting atmosphere for Victorian homicide.
The days of America’s distant past, the time of gaslights and horse drawn carriages, are often viewed as quaint and sentimental, but a closer look reveals passions, fears, and motives that are timeless and universal, and a population inured to violence, capable of monstrous acts. A visit to The Bloody Century may well give us insight into our own.

Genres: True Crime, Nonfiction, History, M F M

291 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2014

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I found this treatise of incidents of murder during the 19th century in America fascinating. I was amazed at the amount of research that went into the writing of this book which was made evident by the variety and details presented. Until I had listened to this audiobook, I had no idea how many murders had been memorialized in the forms of poems and/or songs. I liked that the author included some of the songs and poems in this material. I was entertained by Charles Huddleston's narration and his presentation enhanced the story's entertainment. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[Nicole Cater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bloody Century is a worthy inclusion for those who are fans of 19th century crime. The crimes are fully explained, from beginning circumstances to aftermath and lasting effects, in easily readable chapters. There are a few notorious crimes included: Lizzie Borden, Jesse Pomeroy, The Bloody Benders, etc. For the most part, the book uncovers murders that were considered "Crimes of the Century" in they're day, but are largely forgotten in ours. Definitely worth a read.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating book. I grew up in Chicago and was used to hearing of murders. It suprised me to learn that so many cases happened all over the country during this time period.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good book full of facts that I had never heard before but put across in a very informative and entertaining fashion.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of summaries of sensational murders in the 1800s, mostly in New England. Entire books have been written about some of the cases.
The title is misleading. There weren't more murders in the 19th century than at other times, but it was a time when people became interested in following the trials of murderers.
It's a quick read, so if you are interested in the gory details of each case, you will be disappointed.