A Prison in the Woods

"This is a pivotal study in the history of carceral systems in the United States. Hall brings together two seemingly dissimilar developments in the Adirondack region—prison development and the rise of environmental consciousness—and in the process adds significantly to our understanding of prison history."—Richard W. Judd, author of Second Nature: An Environmental History of New England

"With an engaging narrative, Hall draws on important scholarship from the field of carceral history as well as relevant environmental literature to make a persuasive case that two topics that might seem unrelated—prison construction and operation and the environment—are actually inextricably intertwined."—David Soll, author of Empire of Water: An Environmental and Political History of the New York City Water Supply

"[T]he spectacular scholarship of A Prison in the Woods is . . . essential. It is more than a historical monument, plaque, or testament; it is also a ledger of the debts incurred by racism and mass incarceration in New York’s North Country."—H-Net Reviews

"Hall looks at the development of America’s carceral system from perspectives that few scholars have used . . . in this impressive book.”—Journal of American History

"Especially welcome is Hall’s attention to environmental impacts, local geographical character, the complexities of issues, and rival approaches to the problems of criminal incarceration . . . While Hall is an historian, his discussions can appeal to geographers, planners, sociologists, and many others."—The Pennsylvania Geographer