A VISIT TO THE PHILADELPHIA PRISON; BEING AN ACCURATE AND PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE WISE AND HUMANE ADMINISTRATION ADOPTED IN EVERY PART OF THE BUILDING..
1797 · Philadelphia, printed; London, re-printe
by Turnbull, Robert
Philadelphia, printed; London, re-printe: James Phillips & Son, 1797. [4],93pp. plus folding table. Modern half calf, gilt maroon morocco label, vellum at outer corners. Internally quite clean. Titlepage repaired in gutter margin. Very good. First British edition, after the first American. An examination of the admirable state of the famed Walnut Street Prison in Philadelphia. Turnbull takes detailed note of the philosophy of its administration, including such revolutionary ideas as separating the prisoners according to the severity of their offense and adherence to a rigid system of cleanliness. Included with Turnbull's report is a general condemnation of the inhumanity of capital offence. Overall, an excellent survey of a most influential prison system, as run by enlightened Yankees. SABIN 97470 (Inventory #: WRCAM28576)