Memorials of Prison Life

"Memorials of PRISON LIFE" by Rev. James B. Finley. 1850 1st edition; L. Swormstedt & J.H. Power; Cincinnati. Finley was an American clergyman who was appointed chaplain of the Ohio Penitentiary in 1845. This book is a first-hand account of his experiences while at the prison. The book features an engraved portrait of Finley, an engraving of the Penitentiary, and a few other full-page illustrations.

From the author's Preface: "Having formed, many years ago, the habit of journalizing the principal events of my life, I found myself at my old practice soon after entering upon my duties in the prison: every thing in relation to the prisoners, to the officers, to the discipline of the institution, and to whatever stood connected with it, without any particular intention, was recorded; and, in this way, by the time I had been one year in my new position I had amassed matter enough, if printed as it was first written, for a large volume."

Condition:
The top and bottom edges of the spine are worn down. Tiny cloth tear at the right edge of the spine. Cloth tears at the cover corners. Tight binding with no loose pages. Both covers are firmly attached. Consistent mild foxing to the pages throughout the book, though heavier foxing to the two full-page engravings at the front that precede the title page. The tissue guard in between these two engravings has been removed. There is a name written in old pencil handwriting on the front end paper. There is a gray stain/smudge at the bottom-right corner of page 139. Overall the book is in Good- condition.