The Oxford History of the Prison: The Practice of Punishment in Western Society

I originally picked this up for a class in my undergraduate studies in Sociology, but I have to say that the writing immediately struck me as far above dry, tired analysis. The writers aren't radicals set out to prove that prisons should be abolished wholesale, but their comprehensive and detailed delivery of the facts such as they are might make YOU think as much. A must-read for anyone at all interested in both the material and ideological roots of mass incarceration.

Authors try to condense centuries worth of history into single chapters. I guess for an overview, it's OK, except for, you know, it's complete ignorance of the punishment of women. I shut the book and never opened it again after one of the authors massively overstated the prisoner violence in the Attica Prison riot and disgustingly understated the police violence. I mean, there's video footage... it's not that hard to check your facts. The book was a result of very little fact checking and reeks of white male privilege.

Very good book on history of prisons

An amazing book. Full of facts and history. It makes a tough subject---prisons--readable.

Everything you need to know and have used many, mny references from it! Perfect for Studying Penology or Criminology.

Great book, very deep and thoughtful

Yes I am using it with teaching a prison ministry course

Arrived promptly, as described.