We Called Him Boss - by Bud Gardner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

About the Book: General Nelson Viall, a veteran of two wars, is appointed as Warden of the Rhode Island State Prison by his Civil War commander, now Governor, in 1868. Nelson, a Brevet General, returned home from the Civil War. He served one term in the Rhode Island House and also was the first full time Police Chief of the City of Providence, prior to becoming Warden. Dr. Henry Jones, a young doctor who emigrates from England, a reformer, looking to improve the plight of the poor, infirmed, and imprisoned of society in the late 1800's. Young doctor Jones is employed as the first full time physician of Rhode Island's State Prison. A prison run by Warden Viall for the past twenty five years. Recognized by the prison staff, prisoners, and all who deals with him as "Boss." The two men's relationship develops to a point where, together, they begin to slowly bring about changes in a system which existed during a time period in history when society wanted the poor, mentally ill and prisoners, out of sight and out of mind. An attitude skillfully portrayed in the writings by Charles Dickens, of nineteenth century society. TWO MEN FROM TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS, BROUGHT TOGETHER BY FATE, IN A PLACE OF LONELINESS AND DESPAIR. A PRISON OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY WHEN "WHAT HAPPENS IN PRISON STAYS IN PRISON." About the Author: Albert "Bud" Gardner, a retired Corrections Professional, Vietnam Combat Veteran, and University Adjunct Instructor. Began his career as a Correctional Officer at Rhode Island's 1878 Maximum Security Prison in 1969. Bud rose through the ranks to Warden and Rhode Island's Department of Corrections Assistant Director. And serving on the Board of Directors for the Wyatt Detention Center, (Federal Detention Facility). Always interested in history, he researched the history of Rhode Island's century old Maximum Security Prison. Bud is a proud father of three and a grandfather of five. His education is quite prolific and dive