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Eastern State Penitentiary: Crucible of Good Intentions
Published in conjunction with an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, July to December 1994. Examines the innovative design of a large prison, now a historic monument, built in Philadelphia in the 1820s, how that design was based on Quaker reform principles, and how it has influenced hundred of prisons worldwide. No index. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
116 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 23, 2009
A book I read for my new job as a tour guide at Eastern State. A slim and well-written introduction into the history of the penitentiary system, it also includes a great chapter on architecture in Philadelphia during the 1820s. Definitely a great opener for anyone who wants to know about the nation's first reform penitentiary!
March 28, 2009
Yes, it was a reading assignment for my new job, but it was nonetheless very interesting. The book was published for an exhibit in 1994 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, called "Eastern State Penitentiary at Fairmount: Crucible of Good Intentions."
The book is a brief yet detailed history of the Eastern State Penitentiary, from the concept of a "penitentiary" in the late 1700s, the opening in 1829, until its closing as a prison in 1971. There are descriptions of the physical area, as well as details about the lives of the inmates, wardens, and a discussion of whether or not the original philosophy was relevant then and now.
Eastern State was influential not just for its philosophy of reform and rehabilitation, but for its physical design as well. At this point, there are approximately 300 prisons worldwide who have adopted the radial design as an efficient method of tracking the behavior of prisoners.
If you have an interest in historical architecture, social history, criminal justice, or Philadelphia history, I would recommend this book. I think it provides an excellent overview of the place itself, but also how it was a reflection of the times throughout its existence.
The book is a brief yet detailed history of the Eastern State Penitentiary, from the concept of a "penitentiary" in the late 1700s, the opening in 1829, until its closing as a prison in 1971. There are descriptions of the physical area, as well as details about the lives of the inmates, wardens, and a discussion of whether or not the original philosophy was relevant then and now.
Eastern State was influential not just for its philosophy of reform and rehabilitation, but for its physical design as well. At this point, there are approximately 300 prisons worldwide who have adopted the radial design as an efficient method of tracking the behavior of prisoners.
If you have an interest in historical architecture, social history, criminal justice, or Philadelphia history, I would recommend this book. I think it provides an excellent overview of the place itself, but also how it was a reflection of the times throughout its existence.
May 13, 2019
An informative history of Eastern State Penitentiary. The text is good, although the timeline is at times a bit confusing. The images are very good; large and clear.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews