Prisons have undoubtedly changed over the years, as have penal practices in general, though more so in some countries than others. Prisons and prison systems have long been an overlooked part of criminal justice research, and as a result, limited material is available on many institutions. This comprehensive encyclopedia provides a historical overview of institutions and systems around the world, as well as penal theories, prisoner culture and life, and notable prisoners and personnel.

Readers will find a plethora of information including material on such famous prisons as the Tower of London and Alcatraz, as well as on such topics as boot camps and parole. Other entries include Devil's Island, supermaximum prisons, Nelson Mandela, Pennsylvania system, and Amnesty International. Numerous appendixes list famous prisoners, prison museums, prison slang, and more.

About the Author

Dr. Mitchel P. Roth is Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Sam Houston State University. His many books include Murder by Mail: A Global History of the Letter Bomb (2024), Man With the Killer Smile: The Life and Crimes of a Serial Mass Murderer (2022), Power on the Inside: A Global History of Prison Gangs (2020), Fire in the Big House: The Worst Prison Disaster in American History (2019), The Illicit Economy in Turkey (with Mahmut Cengiz) (2019), An Eye for An Eye: A Global History of Crime and Punishment (2015), and Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo (2016).

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

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