Prison Narratives from Boethius to Zana

Prison Narratives from Boethius to Zana critically examines selected works of writers, from the sixth century to the twenty-first century, who were imprisoned for their beliefs. Chapters explore figures' lives, provide close analyses of their works, and offer contextualization of their prison writings.

“Prison Narratives from Boethius to Zana, edited by Philip Edward Phillips, defines a new generic lens and literary tradition through which to approach Boethius, and they have the great potential to energize Boethius Studies in an exciting new direction.” (Krista Sue-Lo Twu, Carmina Philosophiae, Vol. 23, 2014)

"Philip Edward Phillips has brought together a remarkable collection of perspectives in this sample of extraordinary documents written by people in prison. Some of the most important ideas in human history were hatched in prison and continue to inform our world. Hopefully, this introduction will lead readers to pursue others who did not let prison stifle their thought such as Marco Polo, Jeremiah, Cervantes, Paul, and Martin Luther King, Jr." - Harry Lee Poe, Charles Colson Professor of Faith and Culture, Union University, USA

"Prison Narratives from Boethius to Zana encourages readers to educate themselves about very important and relevant topics. This is a unique and timely contribution to the world of letters and the humanities broadly conceived. The roll call of familiar figures, coupled with some less celebrated case studies, reifies and enriches expectations, thereby providing a viable platform for learning more about key incarcerated figures in the Western tradition, as well as about related social and political movements." - William E. Engel, Nick B. Williams Professor of English, Sewanee: The University of the South, USA

"The eleven stimulating biographical essays in this collection are certain to prompt readers to reflect on how the experience of being locked up by society for crimes of conscience can unlock a rich and distinctive array of written reflections on society's most fundamental values. Along with the excellent scholarly insights that the essays offer, their authors have provided the perfect introduction to help readers go on to explore the original writings of their subjects, who range from the 6th through the early 21st centuries." - Donald H. Whitfield, Vice-President, The Great Books Foundation

Laura Dubek, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Nancy Sloan Goldberg, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Brett A. Hudson, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Mark Allan Jackson, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Amy S. Kaufman, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Jane Marcellus, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Robb A. McDaniel, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Kari Sue Neely, Middle Tennessee State University, USA Tom Strawman, Middle Tennessee State University, USA John R. Vile, Middle Tennessee State University, USA