The Named and the Nameless: 2018 Prison Writing Awards Anthology (Prison Writing Anthology) - Softcover

America, Pen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1725981157 ISBN 13: 9781725981157

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2018

Synopsis

For over three decades, every year hundreds of imprisoned writers from around the country submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic works to PEN America's Prison Writing Awards, one of the few outlets of free expression for the country's incarcerated population. For the first time in this history, the 2018 Prison Writing Awards Anthology brings the winning works together in a beautiful print collection to share with the world.

About this title

From the Author:

Excerpt from book introduction:  Though prison, and the people it houses, are removed from public view, prisons--spiritually, metaphorically--are also everywhere. And though the experience of incarceration is a distinct one, the emotions expressed are universal, though often rendered in high definition hyper-reality. Our contest-winning works range from harrowing to gut-bustingly funny. We read horror stories that move us to our core about institutionalized violence, brutal conditions, and the systemic issues that shamefully position America as the world's leading incarcerator. But what buoys these writings are the threads of connection interwoven in the text: unlikely friendships, the birds outside the window, family returning, redemption, self-reflection, tremendous transformation. How do we also uplift the joy and beauty expressed in the writing we receive? Though all of these writers are writing from prison, they are, of course, unique, complex individuals with dynamic and vibrant identities and expression. This is why we view our work as a connective experience, rather than a charitable one, where reciprocal learning, sharing, and growth occur. As our mirror cells indicate, it is imperative that we stay engaged with each other's humanity for the health of our emotional lives and the health of our greater society.

About the Author:

For more than four decades, PEN America’s Prison Writing Program has amplified the writing of thousands of imprisoned writers by providing free resources, skilled mentors, and audiences for their writing. Every year hundreds of imprisoned writers from around the country submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic works to PEN’s Prison Writing Contest, one of the few outlets of free expression for the country’s incarcerated population.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 1725981157
• ISBN 13: 9781725981157
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 206
• Illustrator: Crabapple Molly, Clotfelter Max, Brener Yolande, Pollock Robert, Masilamani Rachel, Meissner Caits