A fabulous book, tracing the history of the penalty and the punishment of Western societies. A book that offers new perspectives on the death penalty, imprisonment, the Enlightenment, the "human progress" in prisons, etc. But do not take what is being said at face value, we must see this book for what it is, that is to say, an interesting thought but nevertheless debatable. Michel Foucault advance a lot of ideas, observations, most interesting of all reflections of each other, but we must not forget that it is just a reflection, some attesting to the historical reality, others questionable. Foucault to a very special way of writing that will confuse and in some; it is a blow to take, or we adhere and reading will be sublimated or you do not like and the reading will be a hassle. Finally overall ideas are clear, it is well written, and it's fun!
