Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson

This book gives us a glimpse of the inhumane, brutal way prisoners were treated in the 1960s – 1970s. George illustrates the many instances of injustice used to deprive prisoners of the few rights they here yet. He also, quite aptly, compares prisons to concentration camps. Jackson discusses how Black people are inculcated with the Western ideals ( white supremacy) And that the form of slavery changed from chattel slavery to economic slavery after the Civil War. George also lazy injustices in America at the feet of the imperial capitalist Who will do anything for profit. This book is eerily prescient.

I enjoyed reading this letters George Jackson wrote to various family members, friends and the people who tried to help him get out of prison. He couldn't give "detailed accounts" of what was going on, but you can imagine from some of the things he was able to write about, what he and others were going through. It's unfortunate that they never proved him guilty of the money theft, and so very unfortunate that he was given one year to "life" for stealing! As he clearly states, so many brothers were in jail during that time who, initially were "not guilty", but by the time a parole came up, he was guilty of "something" that was brought on by mere survival in prison. All the disappointments he went through with every parole hearing denials, lies and manipulations! Had I not read the book on the life of Angela Davis first, I would have been hopeful he was going to get out of prison while reading, "they said If I don't get in any trouble in six months (3 months, a year), I can have a parole hearing", only to be disappointed to read there was a new panel and they made no such promises were made or they did something to provoke him so he WOULD get in trouble and his hearing was denied. I recommend this reading to as many young men should starting at the age of 14 - give them a BETTER perspective on what it's like to be in prison and hopefully deter them from going down that path!

Soledad Brother is one long diatribe that too many prisoners can still write today.In addition, the forewords by Jonathan Jackson, Jr. were filled with ramblings which enervated my excitement for reading the book. Yet, the Prison Letters of George Jackson shows a mettle that many prisoners develop during their incarceration. Moreover, readers will find George Jackson’s evaluation of America revealing and accurate.

This is about the collections of Jackson's letters from prison and the challenges he had to face while being there. He had a lot to say about the differences between the whites and the blacks. During that time facing different insights and concerns. However. it was upsetting, but did not break his spirit. At the same time he educated himself behind bars and wrote about the system that kept him down during that time. Also, why prison education programs are important and shed light on many aspects of things. and solitary confinement.

George Jackson's book Soledad Brothers is a hold nothing back in your face account of his time, thoughts and experiences while in incarcerated. He shares many personal views pertaining to injustice, politics, the "system" and his own mental health which at times fluctuated from one extreme to the other. His letters to all involved were very open and upfront. Whether you agree with his stance on government or not one thing for sure, his passion for change was second to none. Unfortunate he was not a free man but all of his ideology did not fall on death ears some 50 years later.

Good.

Got around to reaching this timeless piece. The critique, the confusion, the clarity and the candor of this dynamic person was reflected in a series of letters demonstrating the insidious nature of racism and power in our society. There were parts that felt like he was writing about our current times. In some ways it felt prophetic and in other ways it felt outdated but all in all you can’t argue with the thinking that it generates as you read each letter. Enter the mind of a man that pushed hard to make his time in prison count for something bigger than himself. Engage his thoughts and challenge your own thinking.

"Soledad Brother" is a powerful testament to the struggle of George Jackson to bring truth and find justice in a totally un-just system. The letters of George Jackson put you in that cruel jail cell right next to him. His words and his totally uncompromising spirit will stir your soul with emotions. From pain and anger, to sorrow, but he will also make you laugh ultimately though, he will educate you. Because George Jackson is a teacher...a most compelling teacher. He teaches with love but he mixes it with a strong dose of rebuke; particularly against those who have the nature of a quisling.He rips apart the falsehoods that create conflicts of Race and class. Then he relates the purposes for such divisions. He gives graphic insights concerning the "Civil Rights" struggles that marked the tumultuous, game changing, decade of the Sixties. Apparently, his warnings were not heeded and his letters could have been written today."Soledad Brother" is a must read not just for Black people, but for all people who are lovers of truth, justice and freedom!

This is actually an extremely important book, although it was written within the 1960s-1970s.George Jackson was kept within prison after being initially wrongly accused it seems, according to Jackson's letters and others. Once in there, he was not released due to his political statements and aims. Of relevance he writes of entrepreneurs dictating the lives of the majority which does not only apply to people of a different colour or race. He also speaks of people being encouraged to turn against others which applies to people today considering the work ethic and lower classes for example.Even schools do not teach people the truth, writes Jackson, which especially concerns history. Jackson was alleged to have murdered a prison guard once in prison but this is disputed. Anybody outspoken today is either accused of something, locked away or blocked.Of note- the book is discouraged within certain prisons in the USA.Do we ever get the truth?

It’s one of the most powerful revolutionary books I’ve read. Raw, real and unfiltered. Underrated writer to say the least! A must read.

Quick delivery, quality of book not great but as 2nd hand and the book is old was half expected

This is an important book to help understand the horrors of incarceration. The service was really superb.

excellent book