The Headsman: A Tale is a historical fiction novel written by American author J. Fenimore Cooper and first published in 1855. The story is set in the 16th century and follows the life of a Swiss mercenary named Balthazar, who becomes the headsman of the city of Bern. The headsman is responsible for carrying out executions, and Balthazar struggles with the moral implications of his job. As the story progresses, Balthazar falls in love with a woman named Adelheid, but their relationship is complicated by their social status and the fact that Adelheid is engaged to another man. Meanwhile, political tensions rise in the city as the Swiss struggle for independence from the Habsburg Empire. The novel explores themes of love, duty, and morality, as Balthazar grapples with his role as the headsman and his desire for a better life. Cooper also incorporates historical events and figures into the story, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. Overall, The Headsman: A Tale is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into complex moral and political issues while also providing a captivating historical setting.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.