The Royal Commission and the Punishment of Death, Reprinted From..

1866. Rare Victorian-Era Pamphlet on the Reduction of Capital Offenses Beggs, Thomas [1808-1896]. The Royal Commission and the Punishment of Death. Reprinted From "The Social Science Review." London: Society for the Abolition of Capital Punishment, [c.1865]. 19 pp. Octavo (9-1/2" x 6"). Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers, which are detached, lightly soiled and edgeworn. Moderate toning to interior, light soiling and moderate edgewear to margins. $100. * Only edition. The Royal Commission on Capital Punishment met from 1864 to 1866. The commissioners failed to reach a consensus about its abolition, but it suggested a number of reforms, including the abolition of public executions, that were later enacted into law. Beggs was the honorary secretary of the Society for the abolition of Capital Punishment and one of the experts who addressed the Commission. His article discusses its work and offers a series of suggestions for the reduction of capital punishments. OCLC locates 4 copies (British Library, London School of Economics, University of Essex, University of Heidelberg). Library Hub adds 2 more (University of Cambridge, University of Sheffield). No copies located in North America. British Museum Catalogue (Compact Edition) 2:765.