Two Pamphlets Relating to the Organization of the First International Prison Congress, Held in London in 1872

Two contemporary publications documenting American preparations for the International Prison Congress held in London in July 1872. Organized principally through the efforts of American prison reformer Enoch C. Wines, the congress brought together representatives from Europe and the United States to discuss prison administration, criminal punishment, and methods of rehabilitation. The meeting followed the American National Prison Congress of 1870, whose declaration of principles had called for greater emphasis on the reformation of offenders. The first pamphlet, International Congress on the Prevention and Repression of Crime, Including Penal and Reformatory Treatment: Circular Letter Addressed to the National Committees in the Several Countries Proposing to Take Part in the Congress, outlines arrangements for the approaching meeting. It calls upon participating countries to establish national committees, prepare reports on their existing prison systems, appoint delegates, and suggest subjects and specialists for discussion. The second, International Congress on the Prevention and Repression of Crime, Including Penal and Reformatory Treatment: Proceedings of a Public Meeting, Held in Relation Thereto, New York, January 26th, 1872, records a meeting chaired by former New York governor Horatio Seymour. It includes addresses and correspondence concerning the proposed congress, among them expressions of support from foreign representatives. The meeting formed part of Wines's efforts to secure international participation in the London gathering. OCLC locates six and three copies of each title respectively over multiple entries. . Good to very good, with toning, light soiling and minor wear and chipping to wrappers. Two pamphlets in original printed wrappers, 6 x9 inches.…