Author
Alexander Leighton
1800-1874
Alexander Leighton (1800-1874) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Alexander Leighton
The Court of Cacus; Or, The Story of Burke and Hare
"The Court of Cacus; Or, The Story of Burke and Hare" by Alexander Leighton is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book illuminates the notorious tales of body snatching and medical malpractice in 19th-century Scotland, with a focus on the infamous pair, William Burke and William Hare, who became known for their grisly deeds. Through its vivid narrative, the work explores themes of morality, depravity, and the darker facets of human nature in pursuit of scientific advancement. At the start of the narrative, the atmosphere is set in Surgeon’s Square in Edinburgh during the autumn of 1827. The approach of a new and timid body-snatcher, who turns out to be William Burke, is detailed, as he encounters a student from Dr. Knox's class. This chance meeting foreshadows Burke's entry into the macabre trade of selling cadavers, a practice that thrived due to the growing demand in medical schools. The reader is introduced to the grim reality of body snatching, as Burke and the students engage in conversation about the value of human remains, and the narrative hints at the moral decay and desperate motivations that characterize the characters involved in this dark chapter of medical history.
Romances of the old town of Edinburgh
"Romances of the Old Town of Edinburgh" by Alexander Leighton is a collection of historical tales written in the late 19th century. The stories explore various legends and romanticized accounts from Edinburgh's past, weaving together themes of love, loss, and mystery. The author’s engaging narrative style brings to life the richness of Edinburgh’s history and folklore, providing readers with an immersive glimpse into its old-town charm. The opening of the collection begins with "The Story of the Two Red Slippers," where the tale unfolds around a couple, Annie Yellowlees and her suitor John Menelaws, during the time of Prince Charlie's occupation. Their budding romance takes a twist with the introduction of Richard Templeton, a royalist in hiding who seeks refuge in Annie's home. As Annie navigates her feelings amidst the political turmoil and the presence of her father’s counsel, the plot thickens with the mysterious disappearance of Templeton, leading to a discovery that dramatically alters Annie's future. The blending of personal and historical stakes sets the tone for the imaginative and nostalgic stories to follow in the collection.