Mr. Heilbron’s book on Convict Life at the Minnesota State Prison should
obtain a wide circulation. The world outside regards the world inside much
as it would regard another planet, and is curious accordingly. As a
general rule, the “heroes” of this work of art are saying nothing and
spinning twine and when they get back to Civilization they keep up the
habit. While apt to examine books of this kind in a decidedly critical
light, the heroes aforesaid will find in this one no misstatements of fact
and no flights of fancy. The illustrations too are excellent, the one of
No. 1055’s back being a speaking likeness. Another first‐class picture is
the one which reproduces the magnificent polish on Mr. Nelson’s counter in
the tailor shop. The bindery, too, that smoothly running one‐man
department, has quite a palatial appearance. The “chiel amang us takin’”
flashlights is to be congratulated. It may be doubted whether a copy of
this little book will hereafter be found in every home in the state, but
it would not do any harm. Maybe when Horace was hesitating about signing
papa’s name in papa’s checkbook, the family copy would strike his eye and
induce him to—go ahead?—
(Prison Mirror, July 29, 1909.)