Pit of Shame

A unique account of one of the UK's most famous prisons - a fame that flows directly from an account of the execution of Trooper Charles Thomas Wooldridge written by Reading Gaol's best-known prisoner, C.3.3. the pseudonym of Oscar Wilde. Wilde's The Ballad of Reading Gaol, his last work for publication, is known the world over for its insights and telling phrases, such as 'bricks of shame', 'souls in pain' and 'that little tent of blue, that prisoners call the sky'. Anthony Stokes tells the history of Reading Gaol from early times to the present covering escape attempts, riots, executions, internment of Irish Republicans after the Easter Rising, use as a top secret correctional centre for Canadian troops and notes on interesting prisoners - including Amelia Dyer (the Reading baby farmer) and Hollywood actor Stacey Keach. But above all it casts new light on Wilde's incarceration, the Ballad and why Reading was chosen for Oscar Wilde. Includes a definitive history of Reading Prison. Fresh explanations regarding Oscar Wilde's time in prison and his Ballad of Reading Gaol. Excellent reviews.
Based on the extensive archive at the prison and working there over many years with a range of prisoners and young offenders. A considerable memento of Reading Prison which closed in 2013.