Curious Punishments of the Past is a fascinating book created by Alice Morse Earle using materials and recipes she collected during her research into the history of penal punishments. In this book, the author explores the most interesting, most unusual and sometimes even funny methods of punishment that were once used in the world. From the curious to the cruel, each punishment described in the book provides an opportunity to understand how the view of justice has evolved in past eras. This fascinating and thoroughly researched publication will interest not only history buffs, but also those interested in the curiosities of the past.