In Six Years in the Prisons of England, Frank Henderson gives readers an intimate look into the harsh realities of the English penal system in the 19th century. Through his personal account of being incarcerated for six years, Henderson shines a light on the deplorable conditions, the brutal treatment of inmates, and the injustices that prevailed within the prison walls.

Henderson's writing is raw and unapologetic as he recounts the physical and emotional toll that prison life took on him and his fellow inmates. His descriptions of the overcrowded cells, the meager rations, and the constant fear of violence from guards and other prisoners paint a grim picture of the daily struggles faced by those behind bars.

Despite the bleakness of his story, Henderson also shares moments of resilience, solidarity, and even occasional snippets of dark humor that show the resilience of the human spirit even in the most dire circumstances. Through his narrative, he calls attention to the urgent need for prison reform and the necessity of treating inmates with dignity and respect.

Six Years in the Prisons of England is a powerful and eye-opening read that will challenge readers to rethink their preconceptions about the criminal justice system and the treatment of prisoners. Henderson's firsthand account is a searing indictment of a system that dehumanizes and punishes those it is meant to rehabilitate. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and justice in our society.

Book Description:
A Merchant talks about daily life inside prisons of England, describes routines and how prisoners are treated. He notes stories of how fellow prisoners came to be in prison, and his ideas about the penal system, its downfalls and ways to improve it. The reader can see similarities to the problems we still have in regarding "criminals" today. (Introduction by Elaine Webb)