Age of Assassins

Age of Assassins examines the history of political killings from the 19th century through modern times. Newton chronicles major assassinations and attempts across continents and eras, focusing on both the perpetrators and their targets. The book analyzes the methods, motivations, and aftermath of assassinations carried out by individuals and organized groups. Historical context and primary sources help reconstruct events surrounding notable cases like Lincoln, Kennedy, and Gandhi. The text explores assassination as a tool for political change and its impact on society through the centuries. The intersection of ideology, power, and violence emerges as a central theme that connects disparate acts across time and place.

Readers call it a thorough examination of assassination in America, from presidential killings to the murders of activists and celebrities. The book covers events from 1865 through the early 1980s. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical research and documentation - Coverage of lesser-known assassination attempts - Clear connections between different cases over time - Inclusion of primary sources and news reports Common criticisms: - Writing style can be dry and academic - Some sections feel repetitive - Focus sometimes drifts from assassinations to general crime - Limited coverage of international incidents Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (52 ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (12 reviews) Sample reader comment: "Newton meticulously documents each incident but the prose is dense - more textbook than narrative history." - Goodreads reviewer Another reader noted: "Strong on facts but could have benefited from a more engaging storytelling approach."

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🗡️ The book covers numerous assassinations between 1865-1981, but opens with an unusual case: the failed poisoning attempt on Pope Alexander VI in 1502, who allegedly survived by swallowing massive amounts of mercury as an antidote. 🔍 Author Michael Newton has written over 300 books on topics ranging from true crime to military history, making him one of the most prolific authors in the genre. 💭 The book explores how the psychology of political assassination changed after the 1960s, when killers began targeting public figures more for personal notoriety than political ideology. 📚 Though published in 1989, the book was one of the first comprehensive works to examine the role mental illness played in political assassinations, particularly in the cases of John Hinckley Jr. and Mark David Chapman. 🌍 Newton's research revealed a striking pattern: the majority of successful political assassinations in the 20th century were carried out by lone actors rather than organized groups, contrary to popular belief at the time.