Chronique du crime et de l'innocence, tome 5/8 by J.-B.-J. Champagnac

Chronique du crime et de l'innocence, tome 5/8 is a collection of true crime stories from France, spanning from the beginning of the monarchy to the author's time. The stories are arranged chronologically and are drawn from a variety of sources, including old chronicles, general French history, regional histories, collections of famous trials, and judicial newspapers.

The author, J.-B.-J. Champagnac, was a French writer and journalist who lived from 1796 to 1858. He was known for his sensationalist writing style and his interest in the dark side of human nature.

The stories in Chronique du crime et de l'innocence are a fascinating and disturbing look at the criminal justice system in France over the centuries. They include accounts of murders, poisonings, massacres, and parricides, as well as trials that were widely followed in their day.

The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in true crime or French history. However, it is important to note that the stories are not always reliable, as Champagnac was known to embellish the facts for dramatic effect.

Here are some of the most notable stories in the book:

• The trial of the Marquise de Brinvilliers, who was accused of poisoning her father and brothers in the 17th century.
• The story of the Chevalier d'Angoulême, who was convicted of murdering his wife in the 18th century.
• The account of the mass poisoning of over 60 people in the village of Pont-Saint-Esprit in 1688.

Chronique du crime et de l'innocence is a chilling and captivating read that will stay with you long after you finish it. However, it is important to remember that it is a work of popular history, not a scholarly study.