Many of the men and women documented in a new book proclaimed innocence right up to their deaths. Last Words of the Executed chronicles the American history of the death penalty through the words last spoken by the condemned. It’s a dark volume, to say the least. Journalist Robert K. Elder talks about the book.

READING:
Thursday 
The event emceed by the Chicago Tribune’s Rick Kogan
The event goes all night until dawn and is hosted by Stop Smiling, on N. Milwaukee Ave.