The Subterranean Brotherhood

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Hawthorne, Julian, 1846-1934

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"The Subterranean Brotherhood" by Julian Hawthorne is a narrative account, likely written in the early 20th century, that delves into the grim realities of penal imprisonment. The book reveals the suffering and corruption within the prison system, portraying the lives of both inmates and guards, as well as the broader societal implications of incarceration. It appears to focus on Hawthorne's personal experiences and observations while imprisoned at Atlanta Penitentiary, as he seeks to expose the inhuman conditions and advocate for prison reform. The opening portion of the book establishes a haunting tone, starting with a poem reflecting the lonely and oppressive atmosphere of imprisonment, before transitioning into an introspective preface. Hawthorne highlights the disconnection between societal perceptions of justice and the brutal truth of prison life, emphasizing that many people remain ignorant of the harsh realities faced by inmates. He recalls his initial transition into prison and the psychological toll of losing freedom and dignity. With a mix of personal narrative and critical analysis, the beginning sets the stage for a detailed examination of penal practices and their disastrous effects on both individuals and society as a whole. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Eric Eldred, Beth Trapaga, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Notes:

Reading ease score: 61.7 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.

Release date is 2005-07-01