Introduction

Martijn Icks

Eric Shiraev

pp. 1-13

in: Martijn Icks, Eric Shiraev (eds), Character assassination throughout the ages, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2014

Abstract

Throughout history, people have used the torch, the pitchfork, the bullet, the cannon, and (recently) the missile to damage, destroy, and kill. To protect themselves from attacks, people have built shields, armor, trenches, and fortresses, established military doctrines, and launched counterattacks. This book discusses attacks and defenses. Yet we have turned our attention to destructive power of a different kind: words and images. Across countries and time, people have used images and words to harm, devastate, and completely destroy other peoples reputation, status, and character.