Bödlar: Liv, Död Och Skam I Svenskt 1600-tal

The book is widely praised for its fascinating exploration of executioners, their unique societal role, and the practices of corporal punishment and executions in 17th-century Sweden. Readers found it to be an accessible and engaging read, successfully bringing social history to life and offering a vivid depiction of a marginalized group. Many appreciated how it delves into a previously underexplored aspect of history, providing a new and thought-provoking perspective on the lives of those who often chose the profession as an alternative to death. The narrative is described as eye-opening and interesting, managing to avoid excessive focus on gruesome details while still conveying the harsh realities of the era.

However, the reviews also highlight several areas of criticism. Some readers found the language to be overly academic or dry, suggesting a preference for a more popular science approach. A common point of contention was the author's tendency to deviate from the main topic or not fully deliver on specific promises made in the introduction, such as in-depth case studies. The book's structure was criticized by some for feeling too rigidly academic, with frequent in-text references to other scholars that made it resemble a dissertation rather than a more independent work. This academic style also led to a perceived lack of the author's own theories or interpretations, relying instead on reiterating existing research. Additionally, some wished for a broader geographical scope, noting a primary focus on urban executioners with less attention given to rural counterparts or those involved in witch trials.

Despite these criticisms regarding style and structure, the reviews consistently affirm the book's core subject matter as profoundly interesting and unique. It offers valuable insights into the complex lives and societal standing of executioners in 17th-century Sweden. This book is highly recommended for readers with a strong interest in social history, the history of justice and punishment, or specific aspects of Swedish history, particularly those who appreciate a scholarly approach and are comfortable with academic writing. It will appeal to anyone looking for a well-researched non-fiction work that illuminates marginalized figures and the intricate social dynamics of a past era, even if they might encounter some stylistic choices typical of academic discourse.