What do you think?
Rate this book
Famous Last Words: Confessions, Humour and Bravery of the Departing
Nothing focuses the mind more starkly than impending death. Its inevitable spectre greets us all; from princes to paupers and nobility to the needy. Prepare to mount the scaffold and share in the final utterings of the condemned; join the stricken in their death beds and witness unburdened tongues wag their closing, and often remarkable confessions as deeply entrenched secrets are finally unshackled in the wake of imminent death.
‘Fates and Final Words’ collects a fascinating selection of destinies culminating in their often flamboyant yet always captivating, final utterances before shuffling off this mortal coil.
Revealed inside are tales of sangfroid bravery, astonishing ironies and overdue confessions often betraying grave miscarriages of justice, throughout British history.
Revealed inside are tales of sangfroid bravery, astonishing ironies and overdue confessions often betraying grave miscarriages of justice throughout British history.
Writer and poet Sir Walter Raleigh had some typically forthright and urging words for his executioner as the hesitant axeman displayed fear and reluctance to perform his stately duties. Having felt the sharp edge of the tool that would presently be rained down upon him, rather than fearing his impending doom, Raleigh would offer goading encouragement to his maker.
Were the final words of convicted murderer Ernest Brown a candid confession to another killing he had committed deep in the Northumberland Moors some two years previously which had lay unsolved?
And what of Britain’s first actor to have had a knighthood bestowed upon him? Learn of the staggering irony that saw his final words on stage prophetically turn out to be his last in life…
‘Fates and Final Words’ collects a fascinating selection of destinies culminating in their often flamboyant yet always captivating, final utterances before shuffling off this mortal coil.
Revealed inside are tales of sangfroid bravery, astonishing ironies and overdue confessions often betraying grave miscarriages of justice, throughout British history.
Revealed inside are tales of sangfroid bravery, astonishing ironies and overdue confessions often betraying grave miscarriages of justice throughout British history.
Writer and poet Sir Walter Raleigh had some typically forthright and urging words for his executioner as the hesitant axeman displayed fear and reluctance to perform his stately duties. Having felt the sharp edge of the tool that would presently be rained down upon him, rather than fearing his impending doom, Raleigh would offer goading encouragement to his maker.
Were the final words of convicted murderer Ernest Brown a candid confession to another killing he had committed deep in the Northumberland Moors some two years previously which had lay unsolved?
And what of Britain’s first actor to have had a knighthood bestowed upon him? Learn of the staggering irony that saw his final words on stage prophetically turn out to be his last in life…
216 pages, Paperback
Published June 14, 2021
38 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 8, 2021
My thanks to Pen and Sword Press, Chris Wood and Netgalley. I'm of two minds about this book. I was actually expecting "last words." Death bed confessions. Oh, lawdy, lawdy, I'm a gonna hang..so now I'll confess? What I didn't expect, nor really want was their life story! Most of these people are well known, even hundreds of years later. They got no sympathy then and they deserve none now. Except for a very select few. I finally got impatient and had to quit reading nearly 3/4 of the way through. There are too many ways to retell an old story, and they are still freaking tiresome! Great concept for a book. Sorry excuse for a follow through.
April 22, 2021
This was a really entertaining read.Easily put down and picked back up as there were many different stories to become engrossed in.I thought when I picked this up that some of the more famous names would interest me the most but all the stories are fascinating in their own right.Although, I particularly liked Walter Raleigh's tale,Robert Catesby and the lookout from the Titanic,Fred Fleet.It was well written,informative and a much needed compelling distraction.Much thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 18, 2021
We have all heard the stories of the last words spoken before someone is put to death. Usually, it was in cases of medieval beheadings, etc. But this book goes beyond that, taking into account different cases over history, and sharing the crimes, the verdicts, and the final walks of those convicted, giving us a more full story of the punishment - and the crime.
For true crime lovers, this is a great delve into different cases, horrendous murders, and those convicted. For historians, its a glance back into the past, and the immortal last words spoken by those condemned. Chris Wood went above and beyond the expectations I had for this book (even though I thought it sounded fabulous from the title, I was not sure how the content would be arranged), but it was easy to read, and the facts and cases keep you pulled in. Prepare for a book hangover, because once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down until you have finished the last sentence.
I absolutely loved this book! I want to thank Pen and Sword for an ARC copy of this book. The opinions above are my own.
For true crime lovers, this is a great delve into different cases, horrendous murders, and those convicted. For historians, its a glance back into the past, and the immortal last words spoken by those condemned. Chris Wood went above and beyond the expectations I had for this book (even though I thought it sounded fabulous from the title, I was not sure how the content would be arranged), but it was easy to read, and the facts and cases keep you pulled in. Prepare for a book hangover, because once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down until you have finished the last sentence.
I absolutely loved this book! I want to thank Pen and Sword for an ARC copy of this book. The opinions above are my own.
June 1, 2021
Famous Last Words is a little confusing because I hadn't heard of a lot of these people (granted, I'm American, so my opinion on that should be taken with a grain of salt), but they also weren't particularly memorable last words. If a book is titled Famous Last Words, I go into it thinking that there will be something setting apart these last words from regular ones. Something has to be special about them to get their own individual chapters in a book dedicated to last words. And honestly, I didn't find any to be special. Lady Jane Grey's story was interesting once the political history stuff was over, but that was about it. Also, I wasn't a fan of the author's writing style. Extremely dramatic and flowery in a way I don't personally care for when reading nonfiction. There's definitely a way to write nonfiction that isn't boring, and I feel like the author tried way too hard to be interesting nonfiction that it became too extra. I hope to see this book do well, though, because death positivity and fascination with death need to be embraced and more normalized!
March 24, 2021
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley; the below review is my own opinion.
I would have appreciated a better approach to the organization of the materials presented here, but the content itself is fascinating.
The last words are mostly from now obscure people executed in Victorian England, although there some murders and suicides as well (and a few natural deaths of old age), and the deaths range somewhat into the 18th and 20th centuries as well. Oddly, there are three famous executions from the Tudor/Stuart era randomly mixed in too.
The work could have benefited greatly from being presented either chronologically from 16th to 20th century, or by category, for example: ‘murders’, ‘suicides’, ‘executions,’ ‘old age’. Instead, we skip around a lot here in time and what type of death, although ALL deaths here are in Britain, and, as I said, mostly Victorian executions.
I appreciated that Wood – mostly – sticks with extremely obscure historical figures, and not just that, he clearly dug deep into the record to pull out every detail recorded about them. Lower class folks are so often lost to history, but here Wood presents the overlooked sorts of people, such as the parlor maid Charlotte Ellen Reeve who threw herself in the Thames in 1900 after writing a farewell letter to her sister, with a heavy subtext that she had been raped by her employer. Or William Watts, forced to go into a workhouse for lack of any other economic options, and died suddenly – maybe of an aneurysm – after wishing he was dead.
My favorites were Priscilla Guppy and Thomas David Cunnington.
Priscilla Guppy died of old age at age 82, to all appearances a little old grandmother who had lived an ordinary 19th century life – but just before she died she confessed to committing a shocking murder back in her youth.
Meanwhile, Thomas David Cunnington, struggling with depression in his 40’s, stuck his head in an oven and then proceeded to keep a written commentary after he finished his suicide note on how his death was going. “Half an hour with my head in the oven.” Followed by: “I’m getting to think gas will run out.” And onwards until he finally did pass out and die. I feel bad for laughing, but it was just sooo very British in tone – like what Bertie Wooster’s suicide would be like. The humorless coroner ruled his death ‘suicide whilst of unsound mind’, stating that anyone who would write such frivolous notes during their own death must be insane.
The executions showcase how much the Victorians considered death to be a “teachable moment” both for the crowd and the person being executed, with a confession expected on the scaffold as well as a show of deep piety that the modern reader has trouble taking seriously. And oh the shock from the audience when a murderer deviates from the script!
Overall, a great look at lower class Victorian England and how murder, suicide, and executions were viewed in that time period.
August 18, 2021
I've discovered a love for slice-of-life historical non-fiction recently and this one suited me perfectly! Just like how I love collections of short stories, this one features a number of quick reads about several figures in history and their parting words with with the Earth.
A very intriguing read that sets up the history of each person before we come to their inevitable deaths and last words. We get a mix of funny, sad, heroic and disturbing tales in these from various figures across time. Some you may be familiar with already, like Sir Walter Raleigh or Burke & Hare, and others whose names are more obscure.
An enjoyable and insightful read with plenty an interesting story to tell! My only wish was for a few more true crimes tales in this collection, but that's just me and morbid curiosity!
If you know any historical readers who, like me, enjoy quick interesting facts and tales from times gone by, this is one to put on their radar.
Ad-gifted by Pen & Sword Books!
A very intriguing read that sets up the history of each person before we come to their inevitable deaths and last words. We get a mix of funny, sad, heroic and disturbing tales in these from various figures across time. Some you may be familiar with already, like Sir Walter Raleigh or Burke & Hare, and others whose names are more obscure.
An enjoyable and insightful read with plenty an interesting story to tell! My only wish was for a few more true crimes tales in this collection, but that's just me and morbid curiosity!
If you know any historical readers who, like me, enjoy quick interesting facts and tales from times gone by, this is one to put on their radar.
Ad-gifted by Pen & Sword Books!
July 20, 2021
These stories were interesting, but this felt chaotic and poorly planned, there was no coherence and it just felt all over the place. I think with some work and more structure could be an exceptional read.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
April 1, 2022
2 Stars
I didn't find the array of people used very interesting or the actual last words to be very interesting either. I was hoping for some more interesting tales or funny last words which I have heard quite a few before. Wasn't for me!
I didn't find the array of people used very interesting or the actual last words to be very interesting either. I was hoping for some more interesting tales or funny last words which I have heard quite a few before. Wasn't for me!
March 13, 2023
Brilliant!
September 18, 2023
Frankie Franklin placed his head on railway tracks two years after killing five-year-old Katie Reeves in 1881. He was the person who discovered her body two years earlier when he was fifteen and a guilty conscience finally got the better of him.
"Dear Mother, – Don’t trouble about me. I am the murderer of Katie Reeves. I am so miserable I can’t stand it. When you see this I shall be dead. So good-bye. Give my love to all. F. Franklin." He also wrote of Heaven's streets of pure gold and meeting Jesus.
The boy had a way with words.
Justice was swift in the Britain of 1752. The jury had a five-minute "consultation" before the guilty verdict of Mary Blandy for the poisoning of her father with arsenic. He was a wealthy, distinguished lawyer who posted a 10,000 pound dowry for the hand of his daughter. Unfortunately, a man from Scotland withheld the fact that he was already married. Even worse, his spouse was Catholic. He gave Mary a powder which he claimed would persuade her dad to accept him into the family.
At a previous hanging, a woman strangled for twenty-minutes. Mary paid her hangman and proclaimed, "For the sake of decency, gentlemen, don’t hang me high."
A short chapter on Sir Henry Irving follows. The great stage actor spoke his final words on stage. "At the right hand of Power, Power and Great Glory, For Thy Church, O Lord -Into Thy hands, O Lord, Into Thy hands!"
Lady Jane Grey was "queen for a day," actually nine days. The Protestant girl of sixteen became caught up in the religious battles of the 1500s. When the Catholic Mary became queen, she ordered the beheading of Lady Jane. She begged the axe man to "dispatch me quickly." He did as asked and Janey's last quip, "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit" are not exactly original.
Charles Smith, an Irish-Catholic, proclaimed his innocence of a murder before plunging to his death at the end of a rope at Newcastle in 1817. "I die an unworthy member of the Church of Rome, in the forty-ninth year of my age, – and may the Lord have mercy on my soul." N'uff said.
The suicide of Charlotte Reeve in 1900 was a common occurrence as parlourmaids were frequently abused by their employers. Illegitimate births resulted in the discovery of many abandoned newborns. Reeve left a long note to her sister and ended with, "Goodbye, Clara. Pray for me."
Robert Catesby was a cohort of Guy Falkes, who gave up his name when tortured on the rack.They plotted to blow up the House of Lords and when Catesby was killed, he was clutching a statue of the Virgin Mary. "Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together," were his final words to a fellow devout Catholic companion.
Helen Blackwood was a hooker in Glasgow who had the nasty habit of robbing her clients. One man was beaten to death with a chamber pot and tossed out of a window. Helen and boyfriend, Hans MacFarlane exchanged vows at their hanging.
William Watts was tired of life in 1934 at a Whitehouse workhouse when he proclaimed, "I wish I was dead, and out of this!" He then dropped dead in his chair.
Ruth Osborne was drowned as being a suspected witch and Thomas Colley was the leader of the murdering mob. He was hanged and left a long departing missive. It ended with, "I beg of you all to pray to God to forgive me, and to wash clean my polluted soul in the blood of Jesus Christ, my saviour and Redeemer, So exhorteth you all, the dying, Thomas Colley. Ye olde English is unusual and gaol is often used for "jail."
"Women are the cause of my downfall. They have all through my life been my ruin, and they have at last brought me to this untimely end." This was the proclamation of John Smith shortly before his death at the gallows for the murder of his girlfriend.
Sir Walter Raleigh provides the best material, as the nobleman rose to the ranks of confidant to Queen Elizabeth. Walt spent a good deal of his life battling Catholics and a squabble with papist Spain led to his beheading. When the axeman hesitated, Raleigh said, "What dost thou fear? Strike man, strike!"
The Manchester United soccer team lost most of its team in 1958 in a plane accident. One of the victims was Liam Whelan, an Irish-Catholic. "Well, if this is death – I am ready for it." A true believer if there ever was one.
"The knot’s behind" were actually words of advice as it needed to be off to the side in order for a clean breaking of the neck. Instead, William Burke choked to death at the end of a rope as a crowd of 25,000 cheered in Edinburgh in 1828. He sold corpses.
Frederick Fleet was posted on a mast on the Titanic and gave a warning of the iceberg ahead of the great ship. Survivor's guilt remained with him for the rest of his life. He committed suicide and left a note to his daughter with the line, "another Titanic man gone."
"I am innocent of my daughter’s murder!" These were the prophetic last words of William Shaw. After being hanged, the dead man's body was left on display in a cage, hanging by chains. A letter cleared the man a year later.
Although included in the category of true crime, Famous Last Words is an informative chronology with enough history included to be of interest to a wider audience.
"Dear Mother, – Don’t trouble about me. I am the murderer of Katie Reeves. I am so miserable I can’t stand it. When you see this I shall be dead. So good-bye. Give my love to all. F. Franklin." He also wrote of Heaven's streets of pure gold and meeting Jesus.
The boy had a way with words.
Justice was swift in the Britain of 1752. The jury had a five-minute "consultation" before the guilty verdict of Mary Blandy for the poisoning of her father with arsenic. He was a wealthy, distinguished lawyer who posted a 10,000 pound dowry for the hand of his daughter. Unfortunately, a man from Scotland withheld the fact that he was already married. Even worse, his spouse was Catholic. He gave Mary a powder which he claimed would persuade her dad to accept him into the family.
At a previous hanging, a woman strangled for twenty-minutes. Mary paid her hangman and proclaimed, "For the sake of decency, gentlemen, don’t hang me high."
A short chapter on Sir Henry Irving follows. The great stage actor spoke his final words on stage. "At the right hand of Power, Power and Great Glory, For Thy Church, O Lord -Into Thy hands, O Lord, Into Thy hands!"
Lady Jane Grey was "queen for a day," actually nine days. The Protestant girl of sixteen became caught up in the religious battles of the 1500s. When the Catholic Mary became queen, she ordered the beheading of Lady Jane. She begged the axe man to "dispatch me quickly." He did as asked and Janey's last quip, "Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit" are not exactly original.
Charles Smith, an Irish-Catholic, proclaimed his innocence of a murder before plunging to his death at the end of a rope at Newcastle in 1817. "I die an unworthy member of the Church of Rome, in the forty-ninth year of my age, – and may the Lord have mercy on my soul." N'uff said.
The suicide of Charlotte Reeve in 1900 was a common occurrence as parlourmaids were frequently abused by their employers. Illegitimate births resulted in the discovery of many abandoned newborns. Reeve left a long note to her sister and ended with, "Goodbye, Clara. Pray for me."
Robert Catesby was a cohort of Guy Falkes, who gave up his name when tortured on the rack.They plotted to blow up the House of Lords and when Catesby was killed, he was clutching a statue of the Virgin Mary. "Stand by me, Tom, and we will die together," were his final words to a fellow devout Catholic companion.
Helen Blackwood was a hooker in Glasgow who had the nasty habit of robbing her clients. One man was beaten to death with a chamber pot and tossed out of a window. Helen and boyfriend, Hans MacFarlane exchanged vows at their hanging.
William Watts was tired of life in 1934 at a Whitehouse workhouse when he proclaimed, "I wish I was dead, and out of this!" He then dropped dead in his chair.
Ruth Osborne was drowned as being a suspected witch and Thomas Colley was the leader of the murdering mob. He was hanged and left a long departing missive. It ended with, "I beg of you all to pray to God to forgive me, and to wash clean my polluted soul in the blood of Jesus Christ, my saviour and Redeemer, So exhorteth you all, the dying, Thomas Colley. Ye olde English is unusual and gaol is often used for "jail."
"Women are the cause of my downfall. They have all through my life been my ruin, and they have at last brought me to this untimely end." This was the proclamation of John Smith shortly before his death at the gallows for the murder of his girlfriend.
Sir Walter Raleigh provides the best material, as the nobleman rose to the ranks of confidant to Queen Elizabeth. Walt spent a good deal of his life battling Catholics and a squabble with papist Spain led to his beheading. When the axeman hesitated, Raleigh said, "What dost thou fear? Strike man, strike!"
The Manchester United soccer team lost most of its team in 1958 in a plane accident. One of the victims was Liam Whelan, an Irish-Catholic. "Well, if this is death – I am ready for it." A true believer if there ever was one.
"The knot’s behind" were actually words of advice as it needed to be off to the side in order for a clean breaking of the neck. Instead, William Burke choked to death at the end of a rope as a crowd of 25,000 cheered in Edinburgh in 1828. He sold corpses.
Frederick Fleet was posted on a mast on the Titanic and gave a warning of the iceberg ahead of the great ship. Survivor's guilt remained with him for the rest of his life. He committed suicide and left a note to his daughter with the line, "another Titanic man gone."
"I am innocent of my daughter’s murder!" These were the prophetic last words of William Shaw. After being hanged, the dead man's body was left on display in a cage, hanging by chains. A letter cleared the man a year later.
Although included in the category of true crime, Famous Last Words is an informative chronology with enough history included to be of interest to a wider audience.
April 4, 2021
This wow! book details the circumstances surrounding deaths (natural, executions, suicide) and the last words spoken by the person(s) who died when they realized death was imminent. Some are surprising, some proclaimed innocence to the end whether they were innocent of a crime or not, others poignant and heartbreaking. From confessions to allusions to secrets to words of love to instructions to the executioner, this book is unputdownable in its intensity and captivation. Most of the stories took place in the last few hundred years with a few more recent and highlight both famous and not famous people.
When hanging and beheading were de rigueur, executioners were paid for good "service". Some executions occurred swiftly as planned but some were unfortunately drawn out. Bodies were often used for scientific research and some took it upon themselves to hasten deaths for payment. Mary Blandy was concerned about propriety when she was hung. Many last words were pleas to their Maker such as Sir Henry Irving's which those he used on stage during performances, "O Lord Into Thy hands". King Edward VI's were similar as were Lady Jane Grey's, while she pathetically groped for the beheading stone. Every single story is incredibly interesting including the Charles Smith book made of his skin!
Suicide notes are goosebump inducing, moving and poignant and the last despairing and revealing moments of the person's life are sometimes recorded in detail. The most heartbreaking to me was the letter from a father to his daughter. A few saw a humorous side, others instructive. Murderer Burke said, "The knot's behind" to his executioner (should have been to the side). A few shook hands with their executioner and thanked prison staff for good treatment. The degrading ducking story was just awful...the man responsible asked for forgiveness at his death. Another man blamed women for his downfall and one pleaded innocence until he was executed and it was discovered later that he indeed had been innocent. One couple recited wedding vows to each other just seconds before they were hung.
There are photos of locations and suicide letters. If you are at all intrigued by a sociological compendium of true death events and how various people viewed death in their last moments, this book is definitely for you.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fascinating book. Well worth reading!
When hanging and beheading were de rigueur, executioners were paid for good "service". Some executions occurred swiftly as planned but some were unfortunately drawn out. Bodies were often used for scientific research and some took it upon themselves to hasten deaths for payment. Mary Blandy was concerned about propriety when she was hung. Many last words were pleas to their Maker such as Sir Henry Irving's which those he used on stage during performances, "O Lord Into Thy hands". King Edward VI's were similar as were Lady Jane Grey's, while she pathetically groped for the beheading stone. Every single story is incredibly interesting including the Charles Smith book made of his skin!
Suicide notes are goosebump inducing, moving and poignant and the last despairing and revealing moments of the person's life are sometimes recorded in detail. The most heartbreaking to me was the letter from a father to his daughter. A few saw a humorous side, others instructive. Murderer Burke said, "The knot's behind" to his executioner (should have been to the side). A few shook hands with their executioner and thanked prison staff for good treatment. The degrading ducking story was just awful...the man responsible asked for forgiveness at his death. Another man blamed women for his downfall and one pleaded innocence until he was executed and it was discovered later that he indeed had been innocent. One couple recited wedding vows to each other just seconds before they were hung.
There are photos of locations and suicide letters. If you are at all intrigued by a sociological compendium of true death events and how various people viewed death in their last moments, this book is definitely for you.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading the e-ARC of this fascinating book. Well worth reading!
March 20, 2021
Death—what a concept, am I right? One second we’re here and the next, well, we’re not. Many a young person (and homicidal maniac) has thought about the idea of going out with a bang. Well, some of the fine folks covered in this book did just that… with their words. In Famous Last Words, Chris Wood brings together a rogues’ gallery of murderers, queens, and everyone in between and details their final utterances, for better or for worse.
To be honest, I love the Tuder era of English history. You know, the king with 6 wives and all that jazz? This is probably a character defect of mine, but I just can’t help it; I love this saucy clan. Very predictably then, my favorite chapter was on the tragic 16th century queen, Lady Jane Grey. Wood details her rise to the throne and fall—all within nine days—at the hands of Mary Tudor, making for a drama that would cause the Kardashians to blush. Lady Jane’s meteoric rise and fall are emblematic of what is great about this book; her last words, give us a glimpse into who she was as a person, in a perhaps more honest way than any other available sources. In this case, Lady Jane died a woman who held firm to her faith, and yet displayed a fearful youthfulness that broke my heart as I read.
Famous Last Words generally details the lives and deaths of largely unknown figures. This fact, in my opinion, could be a great thing, or a negative. For the more adventurous readers, you will have the pleasure of being introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, and will get to know them in such a unique way—during their final moments. For others, who are looking to learn a bit more about familiar historical faces, this book may not fulfill that need.
In any case, my morbid soul had a wonderful time reading Famous Last Words, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable nonfiction that they can read in one gulp, or in bite-sized chapters. Either way, there are some quotes in here that, in my opinion, have more than earned a total mic-drop.
Thank you to the Chris Wood, Netgalley, and Pen & Sword History for giving me an opportunity to read such a interesting book!
To be honest, I love the Tuder era of English history. You know, the king with 6 wives and all that jazz? This is probably a character defect of mine, but I just can’t help it; I love this saucy clan. Very predictably then, my favorite chapter was on the tragic 16th century queen, Lady Jane Grey. Wood details her rise to the throne and fall—all within nine days—at the hands of Mary Tudor, making for a drama that would cause the Kardashians to blush. Lady Jane’s meteoric rise and fall are emblematic of what is great about this book; her last words, give us a glimpse into who she was as a person, in a perhaps more honest way than any other available sources. In this case, Lady Jane died a woman who held firm to her faith, and yet displayed a fearful youthfulness that broke my heart as I read.
Famous Last Words generally details the lives and deaths of largely unknown figures. This fact, in my opinion, could be a great thing, or a negative. For the more adventurous readers, you will have the pleasure of being introduced to an entirely new cast of characters, and will get to know them in such a unique way—during their final moments. For others, who are looking to learn a bit more about familiar historical faces, this book may not fulfill that need.
In any case, my morbid soul had a wonderful time reading Famous Last Words, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for an enjoyable nonfiction that they can read in one gulp, or in bite-sized chapters. Either way, there are some quotes in here that, in my opinion, have more than earned a total mic-drop.
Thank you to the Chris Wood, Netgalley, and Pen & Sword History for giving me an opportunity to read such a interesting book!
August 18, 2021
One thing that has to be noted about this book is the sheer amount of research that has gone into it. The author has written a wonderful selection of tales focusing on the deaths of fascinating figures throughout history. Initially I was concerned that this book would merely detail the deaths of famous figures that’ve already been well documented; however, it actually discusses a range of interesting people I didn’t previously know but would now love to learn more about.
Each chapter focuses on the history of a different person and allows the reader an insight into the cause of their death and the final words they uttered before their demise. From suicide to murder, this book gives you nuggets of information on each interesting person and leaves you experiencing a range of emotions - some stories are upsetting, some are amusing, and some make you question the fairness of the legal system.
I feel this book appeals to nonfiction and fiction lovers as each chapter felt more like I was absorbed in a short piece of historical fiction; the author writes in such a way that you feel pulled into each person’s story as if you’re there experiencing them yourself. From marriage proposals to explaining to the executioner the efficient way to hang a man, this book demonstrated some interesting and emotional last words of the departing that were a joy to read. My only critique would be certain chapters were a bit short so it doesn’t allow the reader enough time to fully submerge themselves into the story (though perhaps I’m just greedy for wanting more as each chapter was so interesting!). Also I didn’t quite understand the organising of the chapters, they didn’t seem to go in any particular order and felt a bit random.
Overall, I think this is an incredible book and I think many will enjoy it!
Each chapter focuses on the history of a different person and allows the reader an insight into the cause of their death and the final words they uttered before their demise. From suicide to murder, this book gives you nuggets of information on each interesting person and leaves you experiencing a range of emotions - some stories are upsetting, some are amusing, and some make you question the fairness of the legal system.
I feel this book appeals to nonfiction and fiction lovers as each chapter felt more like I was absorbed in a short piece of historical fiction; the author writes in such a way that you feel pulled into each person’s story as if you’re there experiencing them yourself. From marriage proposals to explaining to the executioner the efficient way to hang a man, this book demonstrated some interesting and emotional last words of the departing that were a joy to read. My only critique would be certain chapters were a bit short so it doesn’t allow the reader enough time to fully submerge themselves into the story (though perhaps I’m just greedy for wanting more as each chapter was so interesting!). Also I didn’t quite understand the organising of the chapters, they didn’t seem to go in any particular order and felt a bit random.
Overall, I think this is an incredible book and I think many will enjoy it!
April 26, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Famous Last Words is a well written series of short biographies (and the end of the lives of the subjects) written and presented by Chris Wood. Due out 30th June 2021 from Pen & Sword, it's 216 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a fascinating account of the deaths of 23 historical figures. They range from the very well known (Lady Jane Grey, William Burke) to the previously unfamiliar (to me). The accounts are written simply and engagingly in plain language. Despite the often gruesome nature of the murders, poisonings, and other crimes which led directly to the executions, the descriptions are neither too graphic nor disturbing (most of them happened many many years ago and have lost the immediacy of horror). They're not all executions, several are related stories from the deaths of non-criminals (Liam Whelan, Sir Henry Irving).
The author has included a number of illustrations from extant historical records, drawings, and some photographs. There are no annotations or bibliography included in the advance copy I received for review which are listed in the table of contents and will be included in the final release version. Ditto the index which will be available in the final release copy.
This would be a good selection for library acquisition, or for history fans. It would also be a good choice for true crime fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Famous Last Words is a well written series of short biographies (and the end of the lives of the subjects) written and presented by Chris Wood. Due out 30th June 2021 from Pen & Sword, it's 216 pages and will be available in paperback format.
This is a fascinating account of the deaths of 23 historical figures. They range from the very well known (Lady Jane Grey, William Burke) to the previously unfamiliar (to me). The accounts are written simply and engagingly in plain language. Despite the often gruesome nature of the murders, poisonings, and other crimes which led directly to the executions, the descriptions are neither too graphic nor disturbing (most of them happened many many years ago and have lost the immediacy of horror). They're not all executions, several are related stories from the deaths of non-criminals (Liam Whelan, Sir Henry Irving).
The author has included a number of illustrations from extant historical records, drawings, and some photographs. There are no annotations or bibliography included in the advance copy I received for review which are listed in the table of contents and will be included in the final release version. Ditto the index which will be available in the final release copy.
This would be a good selection for library acquisition, or for history fans. It would also be a good choice for true crime fans.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 4, 2021
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
It’s fascinating to read what a person’s final words were at the end of their life. Whether they used those words to convey guilt by admitting something dark about their past, perhaps they expressed their love to friends and family or maybe they cracked a joke? The subject of Chris Wood’s new book: ‘Famous Last Words’ focuses on just that!
Each of the people to feature in Famous Last Words has several pages dedicated to them and their lives, right up until their final words and demise. This layout makes it great for dipping in and out of without having to reacquaint yourself with the book. The subject matter is very sobering, and I found each person’s story evoked different emotions in me. I found the most heart-breaking stories were the ones regarding suicide and the sheer desperation those people felt leading up to the act. The crime and punishment stories really highlight just how unfair and barbaric the legal system could be at certain times throughout history.
As well as seeing some familiar names, I was also introduced to lots of new ones. Famous Last words has left me wanting to go and research the lives of several of the people mentioned! Their stories were treated with respect and were very well researched and written. The way Chris writes holds your attention, and at no point did I feel myself zoning out! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can see myself re-reading, referencing, and referring to it many times in the future.
July 12, 2022
From medieval beheadings, Victorian hangings, deathbed confessions and even heartbreaking suicide notes, Wood has created a thoroughly dark and entertaining book looking at various individuals who left a mark on history as they departed from the world.
The level of research that has clearly gone into this book is compelling with the narrative gripping and never falters.
A fantastic example of micro-history, each chapter details a specific individual making it perfect to devour in one sitting or to steal away with in bite-size reads.
While the welcome addition of well known figures such as the tragic Lady Jane Grey and the adventurous Sir Walter Raleigh are included, I feel one of the strengths in this book lies with the diligent recording of more obscure figures who were just as (if not more!) fascinating than their better known counterparts.
The stand out distinction for Wood's writing however, was his dark humour which was very effective with certain cases for example Thomas David Cunnington. While suicide is of course a tragic event, Cunnington was in total control of his being worrying at one point "I'm getting to think gas will run out" as he chronicled his surprisingly upbeat suicide letter. He was also very adamant not to have to see his suicide letter recipients if his attempt failed. Perhaps a very selected humour, but one I felt was distinctly British in nature.
The level of research that has clearly gone into this book is compelling with the narrative gripping and never falters.
A fantastic example of micro-history, each chapter details a specific individual making it perfect to devour in one sitting or to steal away with in bite-size reads.
While the welcome addition of well known figures such as the tragic Lady Jane Grey and the adventurous Sir Walter Raleigh are included, I feel one of the strengths in this book lies with the diligent recording of more obscure figures who were just as (if not more!) fascinating than their better known counterparts.
The stand out distinction for Wood's writing however, was his dark humour which was very effective with certain cases for example Thomas David Cunnington. While suicide is of course a tragic event, Cunnington was in total control of his being worrying at one point "I'm getting to think gas will run out" as he chronicled his surprisingly upbeat suicide letter. He was also very adamant not to have to see his suicide letter recipients if his attempt failed. Perhaps a very selected humour, but one I felt was distinctly British in nature.
September 11, 2021
The volume comprises a twenty three chapters, each telling a story from British history; each chapter ending in death.
🩸
At first I thought this volume would have a very anecdotal nature, with substance provided by the historical facts alone. However, I quickly realised I was mistook.
🎇
The twenty three chapters are indeed not related to each other, and there’s plenty of meaty history being told. However, despite death and the final words of the deceased being the common denominator between the stories, the substance itself lies in the variety of the tales told.
🏰
The author’s research into all of the narratives is awe-inspiring, and I for one feel like I’ve read twenty three separate books, instead of just one. The stories span the width and length of our fair and brutal isle, time-travelling centuries back for some of the accounts. The chapters that take place in Victorian Scotland are my favourite.
🏴
The mosaic of these unrelated chronicles presents a blemished portrait of Britain🇬🇧. These stories tell one aspect at a time, of a human’s interaction with death: sometimes voluntary, sometimes less so. It's a great source from which to draw lessons of human nature 🧐 Why do people do what they do and what does it take to cross the line? Does everyone know where the line is?
🩸
At first I thought this volume would have a very anecdotal nature, with substance provided by the historical facts alone. However, I quickly realised I was mistook.
🎇
The twenty three chapters are indeed not related to each other, and there’s plenty of meaty history being told. However, despite death and the final words of the deceased being the common denominator between the stories, the substance itself lies in the variety of the tales told.
🏰
The author’s research into all of the narratives is awe-inspiring, and I for one feel like I’ve read twenty three separate books, instead of just one. The stories span the width and length of our fair and brutal isle, time-travelling centuries back for some of the accounts. The chapters that take place in Victorian Scotland are my favourite.
🏴
The mosaic of these unrelated chronicles presents a blemished portrait of Britain🇬🇧. These stories tell one aspect at a time, of a human’s interaction with death: sometimes voluntary, sometimes less so. It's a great source from which to draw lessons of human nature 🧐 Why do people do what they do and what does it take to cross the line? Does everyone know where the line is?
May 26, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: I expected this to be a rather light book filled with witty and humorous last words. It is not what this book delivers. Oh, there are a few pithy final utterances but what the author has done is present a fairly comprehensive background to the final moments and then, when possible, repeated what the deceased said. Sometimes it was heartbreaking and sad, particularly when the person is brought to his or her end by circumstances beyond his or her control. Lady Jane Grey is a prime example.
Sometimes it is a protest of innocence, occasionally borne out by future revelations. Sometimes it is simply a request for forgiveness. Sometimes it is a confession for crimes committed but unpunished. There is really no particular theme that I can perceive but that does make for some compelling reading. It is includes the famous and the obscure ,and the infamous.
It, like many of the books from this publisher, can be consumed in a continuous reading or taken in smaller bite-sized morsels. Four purrs and two paws up.
Sometimes it is a protest of innocence, occasionally borne out by future revelations. Sometimes it is simply a request for forgiveness. Sometimes it is a confession for crimes committed but unpunished. There is really no particular theme that I can perceive but that does make for some compelling reading. It is includes the famous and the obscure ,and the infamous.
It, like many of the books from this publisher, can be consumed in a continuous reading or taken in smaller bite-sized morsels. Four purrs and two paws up.
April 25, 2021
My thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Last words can be pithy, brave, confessional, sad, or even leave a long legacy of confusion and o mystery. Chris Wood in Famous Last Words: Confessions, Humour and Bravery of the Departing has combined all these into one volume covering the last words, either pronounced or written, by the famous, the infamous and a few that most might just go "Who?".
Mr. Wood gives sometimes for too long a biographical sketch of the time, the characters and the the influences on those he has chosen to discuss. These people range from Queens, politicians, lovers, murderers known from history, but with a few Victorian era criminals tossed in. The organization is a little all over the place, maybe a chronological layout would have helped, but the book is still filled with intriguing stories.
Last words can be pithy, brave, confessional, sad, or even leave a long legacy of confusion and o mystery. Chris Wood in Famous Last Words: Confessions, Humour and Bravery of the Departing has combined all these into one volume covering the last words, either pronounced or written, by the famous, the infamous and a few that most might just go "Who?".
Mr. Wood gives sometimes for too long a biographical sketch of the time, the characters and the the influences on those he has chosen to discuss. These people range from Queens, politicians, lovers, murderers known from history, but with a few Victorian era criminals tossed in. The organization is a little all over the place, maybe a chronological layout would have helped, but the book is still filled with intriguing stories.
August 21, 2021
Thanks to the publishers, Netgalley and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
More of anthology of some interesting cases of murder and suicide in Britain than a collection of 'famous last words' this book in still quite engaging.
There are some very well researched and in-depth accounts of stories that you might already know, like the story of Burke & Hare or Lady Jane Grey. Others like the story of Frederick Fleet which tells the story of that young sailor who said the fateful words 'iceburg ahead' on the Titanic are equally compelling.
This is more of an account of interesting cases of death than last words, so don't rely on the title for the content. But this is a quick and enjoyable read for history lovers.
More of anthology of some interesting cases of murder and suicide in Britain than a collection of 'famous last words' this book in still quite engaging.
There are some very well researched and in-depth accounts of stories that you might already know, like the story of Burke & Hare or Lady Jane Grey. Others like the story of Frederick Fleet which tells the story of that young sailor who said the fateful words 'iceburg ahead' on the Titanic are equally compelling.
This is more of an account of interesting cases of death than last words, so don't rely on the title for the content. But this is a quick and enjoyable read for history lovers.
December 28, 2022
I was fortunate enough to attend a talk by the author at Newcastle Library and picked his book up whilst there.
Famous last words will not provide you with pages of quotes from the mouths of those departing and I'm glad of it. By fleshing out the context and history of each individual Wood presents to us, he affords some dignity to those he writes about (whether it be the individual dying themselves, or someone they have hurt/killed).
Wood's writing style is not what you'd expect from a non-fiction book, it's empathetic and expressive, however I found that it suited the content and the intention of the book: to explore the mystery of death and consider the effect it has on those it is closest upon.
Famous last words will not provide you with pages of quotes from the mouths of those departing and I'm glad of it. By fleshing out the context and history of each individual Wood presents to us, he affords some dignity to those he writes about (whether it be the individual dying themselves, or someone they have hurt/killed).
Wood's writing style is not what you'd expect from a non-fiction book, it's empathetic and expressive, however I found that it suited the content and the intention of the book: to explore the mystery of death and consider the effect it has on those it is closest upon.
June 18, 2023
Famous Last Words: Confessions, Humor and Bravery of the Departing by Chris Wood, an instructive and interesting reading about the different ways in which humans face a situation common to all living beings: death.
When I started this book, I thought I was going to find a list of quotes with the last words of famous people, but I have been pleasantly surprised to find not only the promised final words, but also the historical context in which each character lived and that led to their death, which made reading more enjoyable, since I am very fond of history.
As I said before, a very instructive read, if a little macabre...
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
When I started this book, I thought I was going to find a list of quotes with the last words of famous people, but I have been pleasantly surprised to find not only the promised final words, but also the historical context in which each character lived and that led to their death, which made reading more enjoyable, since I am very fond of history.
As I said before, a very instructive read, if a little macabre...
The opinion I have expressed above is based solely on what I think and feel about this book.
June 6, 2021
An excellent read!! I pre ordered a copy and had been very excited about this one and it did not disappoint! I’m a true crime enthusiast and this was superb.
The book has a number of enthralling tales about figures from well known events in history ranging from the failed gun powder plot of 1605 to the sinking of the Titanic. Mixed amongst the more renowned events are captivating stories from lessor known individuals been and gone. Each tale has its own unique and varied outcome and the author had clearly done extensive research into the cases.
I would highly recommend. Very much looking forward to Wood’s next book!
The book has a number of enthralling tales about figures from well known events in history ranging from the failed gun powder plot of 1605 to the sinking of the Titanic. Mixed amongst the more renowned events are captivating stories from lessor known individuals been and gone. Each tale has its own unique and varied outcome and the author had clearly done extensive research into the cases.
I would highly recommend. Very much looking forward to Wood’s next book!
September 11, 2021
A collection of short stories that gave you a bit of history about the person and/or crime etc. that led to the death of the person whose final words we were to learn. I found them so interesting and enjoyed the mixture of well-known figures with lesser-known, and the different causes of death, and time periods covered.
Some were hard to read and incredibly sad. But I enjoyed learning a bit of history and also about crimes that had happened.
I enjoyed the writing style and vocabulary used, and the short chapters allowed you to read an entire "case" without interruption.
Overall a good read. Thank you to the author for gifting me this book!
Some were hard to read and incredibly sad. But I enjoyed learning a bit of history and also about crimes that had happened.
I enjoyed the writing style and vocabulary used, and the short chapters allowed you to read an entire "case" without interruption.
Overall a good read. Thank you to the author for gifting me this book!
September 10, 2022
I thought that this book was really interesting!
The wide variety of people covered was great, I really enjoyed the mix and the descriptions that the author provided, as well as sharing what was said, or reported to have been said at the time.
The book was well written and well laid out and each story has its own merits and interesting parts. I knew about some of those selected to be featured in the book, but not all.
It is 4 stars from me of this one, a really interesting book, it was great to be able to dip in and out as needed as the chapters were punchy and covered just the right amount of detail – highly recommended!
The wide variety of people covered was great, I really enjoyed the mix and the descriptions that the author provided, as well as sharing what was said, or reported to have been said at the time.
The book was well written and well laid out and each story has its own merits and interesting parts. I knew about some of those selected to be featured in the book, but not all.
It is 4 stars from me of this one, a really interesting book, it was great to be able to dip in and out as needed as the chapters were punchy and covered just the right amount of detail – highly recommended!
November 24, 2022
‘An individual’s final words can vary hugely depending on a variety of different elements.’
23 chapters that feature peoples Famous Last Words.
My favourites to read about were on Lady Jane Grey, William Burke and Frederick Fleet… he’s the man who spotted the iceberg on the Titanic!
This was a fascinating read that kept me intrigued right up until the last page.
A must read for historical readers and also those readers who have a ‘slightly’ morbid fascination!
‘That you are to be carried to the place of execution and there hanged by the neck until you are dead; and may God, or His infinite mercy, receive your soul.’
‘What dost thou fear? Strike man, strike!’ Sir Walter Raleigh 🪓
23 chapters that feature peoples Famous Last Words.
My favourites to read about were on Lady Jane Grey, William Burke and Frederick Fleet… he’s the man who spotted the iceberg on the Titanic!
This was a fascinating read that kept me intrigued right up until the last page.
A must read for historical readers and also those readers who have a ‘slightly’ morbid fascination!
‘That you are to be carried to the place of execution and there hanged by the neck until you are dead; and may God, or His infinite mercy, receive your soul.’
‘What dost thou fear? Strike man, strike!’ Sir Walter Raleigh 🪓
March 21, 2021
Famous Last Words is an interesting book that chronicles different people and what they said right around the time they died. Some are famous, but many I did not know at all., I found the book fascinating. It was a bit dry at times but it is a history book after all. It is extremely well researched and the author has a great writing style which kept me engaged. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the history and crimes of the past.
August 16, 2021
What a book. Peppered with events and people you'd recognise and people you've never heard of, this book really keeps you on your toes. This book deal with the high drama of the Gunpowder plot, survivor's guilt from the Titanic and the dirty dealings of bodysnatchers Burke and Hare. As much as these high profile events are well known to us, I feel like I took the lesser known tales equally to heart. The death bed confessions, the book bound in human skin and the most poignant of suicide notes. It was a roller coaster ride of humour, high jinks and horror.
October 19, 2022
As interesting and engaging as this book was, I wish there had been some rhyme or reason as to why these particular 23 stories were selected. Some kind of common thread would have really helped to make this collection more well rounded and purposeful.
January 27, 2026
I think it’s a bit misleading calling this book famous last words. I didn’t know who the majority of these people were and I was expecting more famous people from history. It was still an interesting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews