Review by Choice Review
McGinn's revised doctoral dissertation is one of those rare examples of a work that critically analyzes the past to highlight current public policy concerns. Colorado has the fastest-growing prison population in the US and has recently built new institutions, although the state follows antiquated penological philosophies. Meanwhile the recidivism rate both in Colorado and nationally continues to skyrocket. Americans have never become reconciled to the efficacy of inmate labor or to the current increase, though quite costly, in jobs, education, and skills training that may drastically reduce crime and decelerate the revolving prison door. In her analysis of prison labor in 19th- and early 20th century Colorado, McGinn links the often conflicting roles the prison played in local economics. The prison system provided vital payrolls. Most legislatures, after abandoning earlier attempts to make prisons pay for themselves, saw them as a significant drain on tax dollars. McGinn also considers changing national agendas for inmate labor. Early on, inmates helped build state institutions and roads, but later they competed against free labor. The only viable alternatives became prison industries and dead-end employment within the institution itself. Photographs, selected bibliography, and marginally useful charts. Graduate, faculty, and professional readership. K. Edgerton; Washington State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
