The Hated Cage: An American Tragedy in Britain's Most Terrifying Prison

In 1812, during the War of 1812, British redcoats torch the White House and six thousand American sailors are imprisoned in Dartmoor, the world's largest prisoner-of-war camp. Despite the harsh conditions, the prisoners form extraordinary communities and thrive, teaching each other foreign languages, science, and putting on plays and boxing matches. The book explores the communities and the terrible massacre that destroyed them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Oneworld Publications

In the year 1812, Britain and America found themselves engaged in a fierce war, with British redcoats setting fire to the White House and leaving six thousand American sailors stranded in the world's largest prisoner-of-war camp, Dartmoor. This diverse group of individuals, ranging in age from thirteen to adulthood, found themselves confined within the notorious "hated cage," a prison designed to break both their bodies and spirits. Despite the oppressive conditions, life managed to thrive within the tall granite walls of Dartmoor. Prisoners exchanged knowledge, learned foreign languages, and even organized plays and boxing matches. In their daring attempts to escape, they resorted to familiar prison-break clichés, such as hiding tunnel entrances, concealing their activities, and adopting disguises to evade detection.

The Hated Cage, a meticulously researched work, delves into the extraordinary communities these men formed within the prison and the tragic massacre that ultimately shattered these worlds. Author Marcus Rediker praises the book for its gripping, dynamic, and vividly written approach to history, highlighting its ability to bring the past to life and engage readers on a profound level.

Weight: 656g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786079893