Description
Book SynopsisThe name John Howard (1726-1790) is well-known as that of the man after whom the UK's oldest penal reform charity, the Howard League, is named. Tessa West's new book breaks fresh ground in looking at both Howard's immense legacy in terms of prison reform as well as his fascinating character and personal life. Based on extensive research it provides a vivid and intriguing picture of the man and his times which will be of interest to a wide range of readers interested in knowing what drove so singular a figure. John Howard's curiosity in prisons goes without saying, as his own writings show, including his iconic The State of the Prisons in England and Wales. As a self-appointed inspector of prisons - and in that sense the first to carry out such a task - Howard would knock on the door of penal establishments across the UK and in other countries - often unannounced or invited - where once inside he would observe, listen and make copious records of events behind prison walls. And he was a curious fellow altogether. Amongst the diverse epithets applied to him are: extraordinary, indefatigable, restless, benevolent, solid, selfless, charismatic, eccentric, obsessive, energetic, modest and above all singular. Forever concerned with minutiae, not without friends but lacking close social contacts or time for admiration, the workaholic Howard frequently travelled alone and in dangerous places for months on end. Permanently on the move and forever retracing his steps, he was equally at home in Russia, Germany, Holland and other countries as he was when carrying out his carefully planned routines in Bedford, Warrington, Cambridge or London. A perfectionist with a huge personal reputation he brought his influence, genius and philanthropy to bear wherever he went.
Trade Review'No-one who reads this wonderful book could dispute that Howard ranks among the most interesting people of his age': Times Literary Supplement. 'A brilliant book which everyone should have on their Xmas list': Nick Hardwick, Chief Inspector of Prisons 'A riveting account of the great penal reformer, this humane, obsessive, guilt-ridden, lonely dissenter, indeed the "curious Mr Howard"': guardian.co.uk (click for full review) 'An excellent account, well worth reading. Recommended': Bedford Architectural Archaeological & Local History Society 'Impeccably researched and fascinating': Professor David Wilson, Centre for Applied Criminology Birmingham City University 'A remarkable book about a remarkable man': Sir Louis Blom-Cooper QC. 'A much better picture of penal reformer John Howard than I had believed possible': Dick Whitfield, trustee and former chair of the Howard League 'This book is a timely reminder of the dreams that inspired one man many years ago, and a reminder that we need John Howard as much or more today': Clive Stafford-Smith (from the Foreword)
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements The Author Foreword Timeline Preface Introduction 1: Finding his way 2: The Young Adult 3: Domesticity at Cardington 4: Jack and Restlessness 5: On the Road 6: Home, Shrievalty and Prisons 7: Researching and Travelling 8: Howard in the House 9: The State of the Prisons 10: Foreign Prisons and Hospitals 11: Prisoners of War in England; Scotch and Irish prisons; Hulks on the Thames; Remarks on the gaol-fever; Conclusion 12: The Writer, Editor, Publisher and Superintendent 13: More about Jack, More prisons and More anecdotes 14: Lazarettos and the Plague 15: Back to Cardington 16: The Last Journey 17: The Funeral and Beyond 18: Tributes 19: The Legacy 20: A Last Look Bibliography Index
