History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary - Volume II - by Dan M Reynolds (Hardcover)

About the Book

The History of the Oklahoma State Petitionary - Volumes I and II, by Dan Reynolds provides tremendous insight into the evolution of the prison from statehood to the present, including its struggles and accomplishments. The books balance the humor and tragedies which have given the Petitionary its unique personality. A great coffee table book!

Book Synopsis

The History of the Oklahoma State Petitionary - Volumes I and II, by Dan Reynolds provides tremendous insight into the evolution of the prison from statehood to the present, including its struggles and accomplishments. The books balance the humor and tragedies which have given the Petitionary its unique personality.

Each volume contains an extensive collection of photographs and narratives drawn from Dan's personal collection of prison material and memorabilia, as well as photographs and articles from various agencies, private collections, and museums. The reader is also provided with details of events, riots, prison life, and knowledge of individuals who dedicated their lives to the successful operation the petitionary. One also gets insight regarding some of the more notorious prisoners.

Anyone interested in the history and operation of a correctional facility will want to add these editions to their library.

A great coffee table book!

Review Quotes

*The History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary (OSP) by Dan Reynolds provides tremendous insight into the evolution of the prison and its struggles and accomplishments over the years. It balances the humor and tragedies that have given the Penitentiary its unique personality. The extensive collection of photographs and the accompanying narrative make for a captivating story of this remarkable history."

Gary D. Maynard, former Oklahoma State Peniten8ary warden, director of Oklahoma Department of Correc8ons, and President of the American Correc8onal Associa8on.

*Dan M. Reynolds has done an amazing job of collecting, compiling and presenting a wealth of information on the
history of Oklahoma State Penitentiary from statehood to the present in a most interesting format. Drawing on his personal collection of prison material and memorabilia, as well as photographs and articles from various agencies, private collections, and museums provides insight into stories of notorious prisoners. The reader is also provided with details of events, riots, prison life, and knowledge of individuals who dedicated their lives to the successful operation of 'Big Mac.' From 1940 to 2009, the annual prison rodeo was a well attended and anticipated function of the prison community as well as the city of McAlester. Anyone interested in the history and operations of a correctional facility will want to add this edition to their library."

Stephen Godfrey, grandson of former Cell House Sergeant, F.C. Godfrey, OSP, who was killed in the line of duty during a 1914 escape.

*Great coffee table book! It will be a conversation piece at your next gathering of friends."

Joe Prichard, Pete's Place, Krebs, Oklahoma.

*The History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary is a condensed history, well abstracted book."

Junior Kelley, former OSP guard, 1954-1966

*History of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary written by Dan M. Reynolds, is the most honest and accurate version I have ever read."

J.W. Smith, former Chief of Security, Oklahoma State Peniten8ary.

*Readers, if you want to know about the history of the Oklahoma State Prison, I recommend you read these books, written by Dan Reynolds, former Warden of OSP. You will learn a lot about the prison and enjoy reading them as I have."

Pat Mayfield Gonzales, daughter of OSP execu8oner Mike Mayfield and grand daughter of William Mayfield, who was killed in the line of duty in 1926.