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The National Archive in Kew holds thousands of petitions from prisoners, their families, employers, supporters and even prosecutors written after the prisoner had been sentenced in the hope of gaining a commutation of their punishment. By using these primary sources, the book shows how little has changed in the types of crime committed, the circumstances and how human emotions remain constant across the centuries. From the woman accused of bigamy to the young men caught up in a duel and the middle-class forger, as cases are followed in this book, some far beyond the Home Secretary's decision, the criminals, supporters, prosecutors and judiciary are brought to life, occasionally with surprising results. Includes chapters Words from the Hulks, Theft, Words from the General Penitentiary, Mill Bank, London, Forgery, Shooting and Stabbing with Intent and Words from Newgate Prison, London. 169pp, paperback, illus.