1827 · AMO-2740 — London : Published by John and Arthur Arch, 1827 [Printed by the Philanthropic Society] 1 volume in-12 (19,7 x 11,7 cm) de (1)-66 pages. Cartonnage de l'époque plein papier gris. Étiquette de titre de l'époque imprimée (titre en long). Cartonnage miraculeusement conservé en parfait état. Intérieur très frais imprimé sur beau papier vélin de cuve. En grande partie non coupé. First edition. "It having been suggested, that a short account of the commencement, progress, and success of the measures adopted for the Reformation of Female Prisoners, would be useful, not only for the information of those who are disposed to aid and support, but also for the encouragement of those who are willing personally to labour in this deeply interesting and necessary work ; the Committee of the Ladies' British Society, established for the reformation of Female Prisoners, deem it incumbent upon them to make public the following statement : — In the year 1813, in consequence of the representations of several individuals of the Society of Friends, Mrs. Joseph Fry first visited the Prison of Newgate. In two wards and two cells, comprising about 190 superficial square yards, 300 females were at that time confined — those who had not been tried, and who are, therefore, by our laws presumed innocent, — those who had been convicted, whatever might have been the magnitude of their offence, (even though they had received sentence of death,) were associated together without distinction or classification ; and saw their friends, took charge of their children, cooked, washed, ate, drank, and slept within this limited space. It is not possible, neither would it be desirable, accurately to represent the consequences which ensued ; the atmosphere of the rooms, the ferocious manners and expressions of the women toward each other, and the abandoned conduct of all around, were wholly indescribable. The Governor himself felt it necessary to request Mrs. Fry to leave her watch before she entered amongst these wretched beings, observing, that even his presence would not prevent its being violently torn from her. [...]" (extract of the beginning of the text). Very rare. Perfect condition.
