Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith

You looking to find the "Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith" Good news! You can purchase Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith with secure price and compare to view update price on this product. And deals on this product is available only for limited time.

   

Product Description

A new look at the life and 1857 trial of Madeleine Smith, the young Scottish woman accused of poisoning an undesired suitor, this book uses analyses of Smith's correspondence with the victim and her trial testimony to reveal much about Victorian society, Scottish law, and the woman who received the nebulous verdict of not proven. The verdict not proven is unique to Scotland: while allowing a defendant to go free, the verdict often carries a stigma, as it not only indicates that the prosecution failed to prove its case, but also states that the defense failed to convince the jury of the defendant's innocence. Emile L'Angelier, the son of a working-class family from the Channel Islands, and Madeleine Smith, the daughter of a wealthy Glasgow family, were never properly introduced; however, they carried on an illicit affair that would end in tragedy. The absence of a clear verdict in this murder trial rocked Victorian Scotland and England. The story of the young girl who (presumably) poisoned her secret lover so that she could go forward with a family-arranged marriage would live on in print, on stage, and on the screen throughout the following century and a half.

By analyzing the correspondence between Madeleine and Emile, the criminal trial testimony, and the pathology reports on Emile's body, Murder in Victorian Scotland gives the most complete picture to date of the events surrounding this infamous crime. This book shows Madeleine's rise from an anonymous defendant into one of the leading social celebrities of the day. An in-depth look at the writings of Madeleine's biographers details the variety of ways in which Madeleine and Emile were depicted, various theories regarding the facts of the alleged crime, and the folklore mystique of the notorious case. Murder in Victorian Scotland provides valuable insight into the limited world of Victorian women and the great divide between social classes that doomed the daring relationship even before it had begun.

</p>

Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith Review

In what was called "The Trial of the Century" in 1857, a young lady named Madeleine Smith was accused of poisoning a lover of a lower class so that she could marry a man her family deemed more suitable. The subject of this case does not seem to inspire moderation of views, as earlier works seem to be nakedly pro or anti Smith. Unlike previous works on the case (and many books of this genre), the author resists the temptation to take a stand on the innocence or guilt of the accused. Perhaps MacGowan has enough faith in his readers intelligence to allow them to come to their own conclusions.People who want to read a murder mystery in which the answers are handed to them at the end might want to read an Agatha Christie novel instead. Those that don't mind thinking for themselves, and getting a glimpse of the culture and justice system of the Victorian age will enjoy this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews� Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | PermalinkComment�Comment

Most of the consumer Reviews tell that the "Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from Murder in Victorian Scotland: The Trial of Madeleine Smith ...