Myths, Media, and Judicial Execution: Writing the Biography of Hangman Robert Howard

Abstract

Selecting a biographical subject is never straightforward. Inviting someone to live in your mind and soul for a few years is a complicated decision; even if you know your topic well, those early days of courtship can be difficult. Biographies, of course, allow for interesting segues into a variety of topics within the field of popular culture, including the competitive arena of true-crime storytelling. In this way, they are a potent lure for writers and readers who enjoy the ways genre-crossover books can present multiple stories within a single volume. This article explores a few of the approaches possible when writing historical biography and how these intersect with the complexities of presenting an executioner as a compelling, if controversial, figure. This is done through unpacking the process of writing the first full-length biography of Robert Howard, better known as “Nosey Bob,” the longest-serving hangman for New South Wales.