Prisons Over Seas: Deportation and Colonization; British and American Prisons of To-day

"Prisons Over Seas" by Arthur Griffiths is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the systems of deportation and colonization related to the British and American prison systems, focusing on the treatment and lives of convicts transported across seas. Griffiths, who served as an inspector of prisons in Great Britain, seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of the various penal institutions and practices, revealing the broader implications of crime and punishment during this era. At the start of the book, Griffiths introduces the topic of British transportation and its historical context, discussing how the elimination of certain offenders from society led to the establishment of penal colonies. He details the journey of the first fleet of convicts sent to Australia, the hardships they faced during their arrival, and the challenges in settling a new colony comprised largely of transported criminals. The outlined conditions showcase the early struggles for survival, including famine and lawlessness within the convict community, as well as the implications of their transportation on both the individuals involved and the emerging society in New South Wales. Overall, these opening chapters set the stage for a detailed exploration of convict life, governance, and societal development in the penal colonies.