Chronicles of San Quentin: The Biography of a Prison is a nonfiction book written by Kenneth Church Lamott. The book provides an in-depth look at the history and inner workings of San Quentin State Prison, one of the most notorious and oldest prisons in the United States. The book starts by tracing the origins of San Quentin, from its establishment in 1852 to its present-day status as a maximum-security prison. The author discusses the various challenges faced by the prison over the years, including overcrowding, violence, and corruption. The book also delves into the lives of the inmates and the staff who work at San Quentin. The author provides a detailed account of the daily routines and activities of the prisoners, as well as their struggles and aspirations. He also offers insights into the lives of the guards and other prison employees, including their training, working conditions, and personal experiences. Throughout the book, Lamott offers a critical analysis of the American criminal justice system and its impact on the lives of those who are incarcerated. He also explores various reform efforts and initiatives aimed at improving the conditions of prisons and reducing recidivism rates. Overall, Chronicles of San Quentin: The Biography of a Prison is a comprehensive and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the complexities of the prison system and the lives of those who are affected by it. It is a must-read for anyone interested in criminal justice reform and the human experience of incarceration.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
