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GRIFFITHS, Arthur.
Secrets of the Prison-House or Gaol Studies and Sketches.
Illustrations by George D. Rowlandson.
First edition. "Griffiths's historical importance is twofold. Firstly, he was a significant, if second-rank, prison administrator, and an efficient and trusted subordinate of Du Cane (Edmund Du Cane, chairman of the directors of convict prisons), to whom he always remained loyal … He was also a regular witness at major inquiries into the prison system such as the royal commission on penal servitude in 1878–9. Secondly, Griffiths was a prolific writer, publishing over sixty books. He was a significant analyst of the history of crime and prison discipline." (ODNB) Jonathan Goodman, crime historian, was described by Julian Symons as "the premier English investigator of crimes past."
2 volumes, octavo, original light green cloth, title gilt to spines, block of a prisoner in a cell gilt to the upper boards. Frontispiece to each and numerous line-drawn illustrations to the text. Armorial bookplates of Farquharson Tweedale to the front pastedowns and embossed stamps of Jonathan Goodman to the front free endpapers. Slightly rubbed, the spines a little sunned, mild foxing, else very good.
