'Star Men' in English Convict Prisons, 1879-1948

This book explores the origins, development, and impact of the star class in English convict prisons from 1879 to 1948. It examines the reasons for its establishment, the privileges it afforded, and the challenges it faced. The book also considers the making and implementation of penal policy and the daily life and work of prisoners in the star class.

Format: Hardback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating world of the star class, a segregated division within English convict prisons, known informally as 'star men.' Convicts assigned to this division were identified by a distinctive red star sewn to their uniforms. 'Star Men in English Convict Prisons, 1879-1948' takes readers on a journey to explore the origins and evolution of the star class during the late-Victorian, Edwardian, and interwar periods.

The book seeks to answer critical questions about the star class's purpose and impact. Did it serve as a protective shield for 'gentleman convicts' from their social inferiors, granting them a measure of privilege? What were the perceived threats of contamination that surrounded the star men and other 'accidental criminals'? Why were first offenders convicted of 'unnatural crimes' initially barred from the division for the first twenty years of its existence?

To unravel these intricate questions, the book delves into the intricate workings of penal policymaking and administration by senior civil servants and prison officials. It sheds light on the daily lives and arduous work of the prisoners at the receiving end of these policies. By re-examining evolving notions of criminality, the competing aims of reformation and deterrence, and the evolving role and significance of prison labor, the book offers a fresh perspective on English prison history.

Throughout the narrative, readers are introduced to a diverse range of star men, each with their unique stories and circumstances. From arsonists and abortionists to sex offenders and reprieved murderers, the book paints a vivid portrait of the diverse cast of characters who found themselves within the confines of the star class. Disgraced bankers, light-fingered postmen, bent solicitors, and perjuring policemen are just a few examples of the colorful personalities who inhabited this segregated world.

By examining the star class through the lenses of class, sexuality, and labor, 'Star Men in English Convict Prisons, 1879-1948' offers valuable insights into the complex social, cultural, and economic dynamics of the period. It appeals to a wide range of scholars, including penal historians, historical criminologists, and those interested in exploring related aspects of modern British history. This book provides a rich and detailed account of a lesser-known chapter in the history of English prisons, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and its enduring impact.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032064253