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1902 Havelock Ellis Letter on Capital Punishment
Havelock Ellis was a pioneering English physician, writer, reformer, and intellectual who studied psychology, especially relating to human sexuality. Ellis was among the pioneers investigating psychedelic drugs, and he authored an experiment on mescaline, which he conducted on himself. In this fascinating 1902 hand-written and signed letter, Ellis is responding to someone who has asked for his opinions on capital punishment. In his response of over four pages, Ellis at first states that his views are essentially the same as expressed in his book called "Criminal." Ellis continues by stating, "I am in favour of the eventual abolition of capital punishment, but I do not see that the routine substitution of life-long imprisonment (as in some European countries) marks any substantial progress." Ellis further expounds on the subject by arguing that "it is the certainty, rather than the severity of punishment which exerts a deterring influence on the actions of criminals." Each of the five pages of the letter measures 5x8". A more recently typed version of each page, also 5x8", rests below the original letter. All of the original and typed letters are matted and framed at 21.5x37". The original letters and typed versions of same are in excellent condition. The large wooden frame shows some nicks and scratches. The detailed letters constitute a superb find - frank, handwritten views by a pioneering reformer on issues of crime and punishment that are especially relevant today.
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