New book: Life Beyond Crime

The National Criminal Justice Arts Alliance and Clinks are among 60 contributors to ‘Life Beyond Crime’, a new book put together by The Monument Fellowship, convened by The Monument Trust.

The book, published by Lemos&Crane, draws together through prose, poems and pictures the assembled first-hand experience and wisdom of scores of contributors responding to the question ‘What do those at risk of offending, prisoners and ex-offenders need to learn?’ Contributors include current and former prisoners; criminal justice practitioners; educators and academics; as well as writers from the voluntary and arts worlds including theatre director Phyllida Lloyd CBE, lyricist Sir Richard Stilgoe and sculptor Sir Antony Gormley.

Learning and understanding are discussed in their widest sense, covering not just formal learning and learning skills, but also – and most importantly – learning about yourself, your past and future identity, your family life and your aspirations and role in society.  These types of understanding are explored in the contexts of diversion from crime, young people, adults in prison, and returning to the community.

The book is available to purchase for £15 on the Koestler Trust website here

This book is a precious gift to justice professionals and those experiencing the justice system: victims and offenders, and their families – and to society as a whole. Its rich collection of positive ways forward to change criminal behaviour challenge the default pessimism in the media and among politicians about the value of doing more than punishing. This is an inspiring and moving practical handbook for change. This book should be compulsory reading for all of us who believe in the capacity of human beings to change if given the right opportunity.

Roger Graef OBE, film maker and criminologist; Visiting Professor, Mannheim Centre for Criminology, London School of Economics

It is rare to read a hopeful book on prisons today. This is a colourful and glorious festival of short individual contributions, underlining the importance of engaging with others and of sharing our common humanity, despite the many walls which divide us. Everyone should join the conversation: it’s all about recognising the value in every individual and about reaching out to encourage those who struggle

Nicola Padfield, Professor of Criminal and Penal Justice, University of Cambridge; Master, Fitzwilliam College

Next year The Monument Fellowship will ask the question “How can we be a less violent society?” Find out more about the Fellowship here