"Concieved as the most modern, humane incarceration facility the world had ever seen, New York's Blackwell's Island, site of a lunatic asylum, two prisons, an almshouse, and a number of hospitals, quickly became, in the words of a visiting Charles Dickens, 'a lounging, listless madhouse.' Digging through city records, newspaper articles, and archival reports, Stacy Horn tells a gripping narrative through the voices of the island's inhabitants. We also hear from the era's officials, reformers, and journalists, including the celebrated undercover reporter Nellie Bly. And we follow the extraordinary Reverend William Glenney French as he ministers to Blackwell's reisdents, battles the bureaucratic mazes of the Department of Correction and a corrupt City Hall, testifies at salacious trials, and in his diary wonders about man's inhumanity to his fellow man. Damnation Island shows how far we've come in caring for the least fortunate among us--and reminds us how much works still remains."--Back cover
Stacy Horn Books
This author delves into the forgotten corners of history, unearthing the human stories within. Their work examines complex social issues, exploring how individuals and institutions grappled with challenging circumstances. With a keen eye for detail and narrative skill, they bring the past to life, posing profound questions about society. Their books serve as testaments to both human resilience and failure.
