By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners

Discover the gripping and eye-opening world of Jim Crow–era violence and the legal system that perpetuated it in the groundbreaking book, "By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners". As a finalist for both the prestigious Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction and the esteemed Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History, this compelling work of nonfiction is truly a must-read.

Highly recommended by NPR as one of the "Books We Love" in 2022, "By Hands Now Known" has also been recognized as a Best Book of the Year by renowned publications such as The New Yorker, Oprah Daily, Kirkus, Chicago Public Library, and Publishers Weekly. This well-deserved acclaim is a testament to the powerful and revelatory insights presented within.

Authored by Margaret A. Burnham, a renowned legal scholar and director of Northeastern University's Civil Rights and Restorative Justice Project, this paradigm-shifting investigation challenges and reshapes our understanding of the Jim Crow era. Through an exploration of harrowing cases from 1920 to 1960, Burnham exposes the intricate relationship between formal law and the underlying legal norms that existed during this tumultuous period.

From rendition practices and jurisdictional battles to the pivotal role of local sheriffs in enforcing racial hierarchy, "By Hands Now Known" paints a comprehensive picture of the criminal legal system in the mid-twentieth-century South. By tracing the continuous thread from slavery to the legal structures of Jim Crow and beyond, Burnham sheds light on the profound and lasting impact of this dark chapter in our nation's history.

With over a decade's worth of research and a database comprising more than 1,000 cases of racial violence, Burnham brings to life the true legal system of Jim Crow. In addition to the compelling narrative, this book also features 25 black-and-white illustrations that further immerse readers in the stories of those who have not yet had their voices heard.

If you're ready to delve into a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the Jim Crow era, "By Hands Now Known: Jim Crow's Legal Executioners" is the book for you. Order your copy today and gain a deeper understanding of our history. Order Now!