'This is a powerful and valuable book that explores the complex and challenging work carried out by prison officers, recognising their skill, ability and their frustrations. It is brave in its exploration of the darker sides of prison officer culture and compassionate in its understanding of the effect this work has on officers and their families. This book is an important addition to the current literature and will be of great appeal to everyone working in prisons.'− Jamie Bennett inPrison Service Journal 'An informative and often fascinating account of the social world of the English prison officer.'− Ben Clark, HM Inspectorate of Probation 'This book arguably provides the reader with the first contemporary sociological account of the role of the prison officer since Morris'?? classic study of Pentonville prison in 1958 (Morris and Morris 1963). It fills a vacuum in the literature on the role and culture of prison officers and locates the study of six public-sector male prisons in England and Wales. This book is a major contribution to our sociological understanding of the role of the contemporary prison officer. In sum, it is a very welcome addition to the literature on prison officers and their work, and will prove to be a valuable resource for further research by students, academics and practitioners.

'− Keith Carter, University College Chester inThe British Journal of Criminology c study of Pentonville prison in 1958 (Morris and Morris 1963). It fills a vacuum in the literature on the role and culture of prison officers and locates the study of six public-sector male prisons in England and Wales. This book is a major contribution to our sociological understanding of the role of the contemporary prison officer. In sum, it is a very welcome addition to the literature on prison officers and their work, and will prove to be a valuable resource for further research by students, academics and practitioners.'− Keith Carter, University College Chester inThe British Journal of Criminology.