Terrorism Before the Letter: Mythography and Political Violence in England, Scotland, and France 1559-1642

Synopsis

Beginning Around 1559 And Continuing Through 1642, Writers In England, Scotland, And France Found Themselves Pre-occupied With An Unusual Sort Of Crime, A Crime Without A Name Which Today We Call 'terrorism'. These Crimes Were Especially Dangerous Because They Were Aimed At Violating Not Just The Law But The Fabric Of Law Itself; And Yet They Were Also, From An Opposite Point Of View, Especially Hopeful, For They Seemed To Have The Power Of Unmaking A Systematic Injustice And Restoring A Nation To Its 'ancient Liberty'. The Bible And The Annals Of Classical History Were Full Of Examples: Ehud Assassinating King Eglon Of Moab; Samson Bringing Down The Temple In Gaza; Catiline Arousing A Conspiracy Of Terror In Republican Rome; Marcus Brutus Leading A Conspiracy Against The Life Of Julius Caesar. More Recent History Provided Examples Too: Legends About Mehmed Ii And His Concubine Irene; The Assassination In Florence Of Duke Alessandro De 'medici, By His Cousin Lorenzino.0. Terrorism Before The Letter -- Act -- Agents -- Scene -- Agency -- Purpose. Robert Appelbaum. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.