Bernard, Thomas J. : Pennsylvania State University
Alarid, Leanne Fiftal : University of Missouri, Kansas City
Bikle, Bruce : California State University, Sacramento
Bikle, Alene : California State University, Sacramento
Summary
This unique text provides accurate descriptions of prisons and prison life, written by a prisoner sentenced
to life, who uses the pseudonym "K. C. Carceral" to hide his identity for protection. With the assistance
of editors Thomas Bernard, Leanne F. Alarid, Bruce Bikle, and Alene Bikle, this book presents a gripping, and often
graphic, portrayal of life in prison. This narrative presentation of such topics as prison violence, friendships,
sexual mores, and serving time includes graphic language and situations. Through the powerful personal experiences
of the author, readers are better equipped to develop informed opinions about the American prison system.
Benefits:
Inspired to write about his experiences in prison, Carceral sought the help of noted academics, including
Thomas Bernard, to create a powerful and informative narrative.
This is the first textbook written by a life-sentenced inmate. Bernard, along with editors Leanne F. Alarid,
Bruce Bikle and Alene Bikle developed the manuscript to ensure its suitability for classroom use in colleges and
universities.
The wide range of topics covered includes entrance into prison; prison life, including violence in prisons;
dealing with time; prison politics and economics; sex, racism, retaliation, and gangs.
To help frame the chapters and help students critically examine what they have read, the editors developed
Part-opening "Introductions" and Part-closing "Discussions" of the topics covered in that Part.
This text can be packaged with any Wadsworth textbook at a significant discount. Please contact your local
Thomson/Wadsworth sales representative for more details.
Table of Contents
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Foreward
Prelude On Escapism: "Reality Is What You Make It"
Part I: IN THE BEGINNING
Introduction to Part I
1. He's One of Ours Now
2. A and E
3. Prison Proper
4. How I Got My Rep
Discussion of Part I
Part II: PRISON LIFE
Introduction to Part II
5. Control
6. Time
7. Politics
8.Economics
9. The Christmas Chicken Caper
10. Third World Medical
11. Sex
12. The Barbershop Sex Scandal
Discussion of Part II
Part III: THE DISEASE OF VIOLENCE
Introduction to Part III
13. Racism and Hatred
14. Segregation
15. Retaliation
16. Gangs
Discussion of Part III
Part IV: CONCLUSIONS
17. Correctional Policy and Prison Crowding
Discussion of Chapter 17
Appendix A: A Theory of the Toxic Shamed Criminal
Discussion of Appendix A
Appendix B: Glossary of Prison-Proper Terms
