A serious (though semi-popular) exploration of the question of why certain men are popularly remembered as villains, and whether they deserved it. The candidates include Judas Iscariot, Richard III (relatively favorable but realistic), Guy Fawkes, Matthew Hopkins, Titus Oates, Judge Jeffreys, Francis Charteris (18th century rake), Robespierre, Richard Parker (leader of the Nore mutiny), the Marquis de Sade, Daniel Douglas Home (the medium), George Joseph (Brides in the Bath) Smith, and Rasputin. Although not deep historical esearch, it shows an intelligent and moderately sympathetic understanding of the historical context of these men and why they acted as they did. It also consider the moral meaning of their choices. ( )