Through Prison Bars: The Lives and Labours of John Howard and Elizabeth Fry

by William H. Render

A fascinating look—first published in 1894—at two philanthropists known as the “Prisoner’s Friends” and the early history of prison reform. Prisons in England were once dark, inhumane places lacking any regulations. The facilities were poorly managed and unsanitary, and prisoners were treated like animals. One man and one woman, the “Prisoner’s Friends,” sought to change that.  Through Prison Bars is an in-depth account of John Howard and Elizabeth Fry and their work in the prison reform movement in Great Britain and Europe that began in the eighteenth century and continued into the nineteenth. Author William H. Render explores their childhoods and family lives, deeply spiritual backgrounds—Howard was a Calvinist while Fry was a dedicated Quaker—and early days in prison philanthropy, as well as what motivated them to get involved in the first Howard’s early days as the high sheriff of Bedfordshire and Fry’s visit to the women’s prison at Newgate in London.   Neither Howard nor Fry stopped their work with just one jail. They dedicated their lives to serving God and man, and their stories have the power to inspire similar dedication in generations to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

150 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2017

Reviews

[Joan Buell · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an impact an individual can have!

An interesting, but not compelling, account of two lives devoted to prison reform. It reads rather like an encyclopedia, listing accomplishments of each reformer. The author gives credit to their motives of Christian love, and reminds us just how bad conditions were in 19th Century prisons. The reform effort dealt with many facets: men, women, and children; prevention of crime, punishment, and especially reformation and restoratio

[George Polansky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving report on prison conditions in the 18th century, as seen through the eyes of John Howard and Elizabeth Fry who dedicated their lives to prison reform.

[Babs M · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an okay read. John Howard appears to be anti-Catholic which seems farily prevalent in that era including in some English novels.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published in 1894, this is a good overview of the beneficent works of prison reformers John Howard and Elizabeth Fry. However, Howard's portion of the book reads very vague and more as an opportunity to encourage readers to practice Christianity than to fully educate people about Howard's work. Details, such as both his wives dying within months of his marrying them, and his total neglect of his only son (who died a profligate gambling addict while he was abroad surveying European prisons) are completely glossed over in a most unsatisfying manner. Fry's portion of the book is far more detailed and interesting, and the main reason I bought this book (and well worth it for that reason)!