title: Transforming Civil War Prisons: Lincoln, Lieber, and the Politics of Captivity (Critical Moments in American History)
author:  Paul J. Springer 
description: <P>Transforming Civil War Prisons explains the historical context for Union and Confederate prison policies, and why neither side was prepared for the unprecedented number of captives this bloody war wrought. Included are informative discussions of the "Lieber Code," excerpts from prison diaries, and a useful overview of prison historiography. This is a valuable book for students of the war and historians seeking to delve deeper into this often overlooked topic. </P> <P>Lesley J. Gordon, author of <I>The Broken Regiment: The 16<SUP>th</SUP> Connecticuts Civil War </P></I> <P></P> <P>This slim volume affords a sweeping view of the many facets of Civil War prisons. Readers are introduced to prison policy, captive experiences, war memory, and historiography, while also illuminating the varieties of captivity. The primary source documents will be especially helpful to students who will be afforded first-hand material while being introduced to this controversial subject.</P> <P>Michael P. Gray, author of <I>Business of Captivity: Elmira and its Civil War Prison</P></I>
zlib_text:   
  
  **Book Description**
  
   ****
  
  **For Every Action...**  
  
  Lincoln Baker, born a ward of the state, has gone from orphan, to gang banger,
  to basketball superstar, to lifer at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in the
  space of eighteen years. During his prison term, he meets Panama X, a powerful
  and mysterious father figure who gives him a reason for living - he must
  assassinate Randy Lafitte, the sitting Governor  
  of Louisiana.  
   ****
  
  **There is an Equal and Opposite Reaction...**  
  
  In order to force a pardon, Lincoln orchestrates the kidnapping of Karen
  Lafitte, Randy's only daughter. But Randy Lafitte is a man who built his
  fortune by resurrecting a family curse from slavery to kill his own father. A
  curse that may or may not have been responsible for his son Kristopher's death
  in the gang crossfire that sent Lincoln to prison for life. Randy will stop at
  nothing to save his daughter, even if it means admitting the curse is real.
  Even if it means committing greater atrocities.  
   