Eastern State Penitentiary

Images of America: Pennsylvania

by Francis X. Dolan

The most significant building project of its time, Eastern State Penitentiary was designed to reshape the mind of an inmate, rather than punish the body of one. It was believed that by keeping prisoners isolated in the chapel-like cells the inner light of their souls would emerge, leading them to discover penitence. In reality, the isolation was nearly impossible to maintain, and the lofty goals of the founders crumbled in the 20th century, much like the building itself. Originally located on the outskirts of Philadelphia, the city eventually expanded and swallowed up the prison. Its unique location became problematic, and numerous escapes and riots threatened the civilian populace in the area. The prison was home to such well-known figures as Chicago mob boss Al Capone and bank robber Willie Sutton, once the most wanted man in America. Eastern State Penitentiary chronicles the history of this massive prison from its opening in 1829 to its closing and abandonment in 1971, and finally to the rebirth of the prison in the 1990s as a thriving historic site and national historic landmark.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, True Crime

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2007

Reviews

[Jenna Hackworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey so I’m overly obsessed with Eastern State Penitentiary…ask me anything 🤓

[KS Aldinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Informative

Living in Pennsylvania, I had often heard of the "haunted" Eastern State Penitentiary. This book puts the historical perspective into those so called "hauntings.". As you read, you feel like your a prisoner within those walls and can understand how each of the inmates felt. You are also introduced to some of the most notable prisoners to spend their lives at East Penn, including Al Capone. Highly recommend this book.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted a book on this place after visiting there with my grandchildren. THere was a lot to see and information was available but it was difficult to see it all with young children. I came away with questions and this was really the only book I could find that had anything to do with it.

While it is a book of mostly pictures from the archives, it was a very good read and it did have information that was interesting. The pictures were helpful and the information that went with them was very concise. It did tell me some of what I wanted to know about it. It would be a very good book for anyone planning a visit to the prison. You would have some background and maybe get an idea of what things might interest you most. Unless you want to go because it has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in America. There is no mention of any of this in the book. It was strictly about the prison and what is was like over the course of its history.

[Emily D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like walking through a museum in book form. I visited Eastern State Penitentiary several years ago. I bought this book, and finally got around to reading it! It was interesting to revisit after so long. The place has a cool history and I would recommend a visit to the actual site!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great visual history of the prison. I expect that it will make visiting all the more interesting since there are things I definitely want to see, or may not have otherwise noticed.

[Kurt Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous, with lots of photos I had never seen before. Answered many of the questions I had about the facility.

[Rodion Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome

Truly a great reward and loved visiting myself when I was in Philadelphia and being able to capture history that was in the making.

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent photos and tid bits of how the prison changed and developed over the years. You can read a few pages at a time or take it all in in one sitting. I found myself studying the photos closely, immersing myself in all the little details that I enjoy. Eastern State is a wonderful site and truly a part of our history.
The book is divided into sections; the building itself, the faces of the prison, and then later years. I will certainly be taking a closer look at things upon my return to Eastern State, to see with my own eyes things I read about here.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with interesting images from the penitentiary. There is so much history at this property. We visited over Spring Break and stayed 3 hours.

[Squirrel Circus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at the history of ESP - toured it last fall - amazing site.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good pictorial history of this iconic institution. Nice read. Recommended

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, the history and photos. One day I'll get to see this beautiful creation.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful recount of the history of E.S.P. through the present. Suggested read.