Writings From Prison

by Bobby Sands and Bobby Sands Trust

Book Overview

In this book the author chronicles the abuse by the British state of emergency laws: harassment and intimidation of civilians; injuries and deaths caused by rubber and plastic bullets; collusion between British security forces, British intelligence and loyalist paramilitaries; unjust killings and murders by the security forces; excessive punishments and degrading strip-searches in prisons - abuses ignored by all but a handful of individuals and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 185635220X
• ISBN13: 9781856352208
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Mercier Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

An Important Book for Our Generation

Bobby Sands, equipped with only a contraband ballpoint pen refill cartridge and toilet paper, wrote some of the most affecting and powerful poetry of this century. His prison diaries give poignant insight into the soul of a man who was willing to die for his beliefs. In this case, the right to be treated as a human being. Regardless of your political perspective, this is a book that should be experienced to gain a greater understanding of the complex politics that led to 10 men dying on hunger strike. There is a good reason that Nobel Peace Laureate Sean MacBride wrote the introduction to this book. It deserves to be read by anyone who cares about the Troubles in the North of Ireland. Indeed, it deserves to be read by anyone with a love of the indomitable human spirit, of which Bobby Sands was one. Rest in Peace, Bobby.

A Hero In My View

Although this will not go down as a classic it is nevertheless fascinating, compelling and informative. My favorite poem is "I Wish I Was Back in Derry", which was put to music by Gordon Lightfoot. Some may call him a thug, but most people would be hardpressed to find many thugs who are willing to die for their beliefs.This book shows in detail the horrible treatment these political prisoners received at the hands of their captors and reminds one of the general mistreatment of Catholics and Nationalists which is an everyday occurence in Northern Ireland. It also makes one wonder if terrorist organizations such as the Ulster Defense Association would have the same courage if the British army wasn't there to back them up. If you're not sure what opinion to draw then add to your reading list, The Committee: Political Assassination in Northern Ireland. Enjoy the read, it's a good one for both books.

A shattering experience

I was in bits after reading this book, and I will never again take for granted the mighty luxuries of a dry bed, a warm blanket, a good meal or the freedom to walk out my door and gaze at the night sky unfettered. This book should be compulsory reading for all humanity. I feel as though I've spent time in Long Kesh after reading Bobby's book, and the courage he showed us all in writing it with such eloquence in the most impossible of conditions is a testament to his courage. Gerry Adams summed it up brilliantly when he said Bobby Sands lives in these pages. They may have killed his body but they never broke his spirit nor swayed him from his goal. i urge you to buy this book and keep it in your family so that future generations will know him.

A Book to Read and to REMEMBER

After I finished this book I found myself crying and It took a long time to recover. It's incredible that in the heart of old Europe an entire and divided people suffer and so much people are ignorant about it (or pretend to be). You, in your confortable home, try to spend a few hours and read these pages...how many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry, Yes n how many deaths will it take till he know that too many people have died, Yes n how many times can a man turn his head pretending he just didnt see..Bobby, you'll never be forgotten.

an inspiring collection of writings from an irish hero.

This book is a collection of writings from one of irelands best known heros. It is composed of bobbys writeings inside Long kesh prison ( A.K.A H.M.P Maze) written on scraps of toilet paper and a biro insert it is a testement to the human beings ability to overcome torture and degradation .This young I.R.A volunteer endured daily beatings and body searches at the hands of the bigoted ,sectarian prison officers . tough Bobby died on hunger strike in 1981 after several years on the blanket and dirty protests his ideals and visions live on in these pages his poems and essays contain many references to the oppresed and unfree everywhere e.g the jews under hitler the blacks under aparthaid and countless others. If you have an intrest an irish hitory, the struggle or love freedom you must buy this book. BOBBY SANDS M.P IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY VOLUTEER R.I.P