The book documents the final words of death row inmates in the United States, from the seventeenth century to the present day.
In each case, Elder also provides short descriptions of the inmates’ backgrounds and purported crimes.
Bryan Appleyard of the Sunday Times of London warns, "This is, in short bursts, a fascinating book.
"[1] Rob Warden, executive director of the Center on Wrongful Convictions, said, “This is a powerful, haunting book.
Whether you favor or oppose the death penalty, you won’t think the same way after reading the last words of the condemned.”[2]