The background of the decision to write and publish a book relates to having read a large number of books about prisons. With rare exceptions these are long on descriptions of facilities, physical infrastructure etc, and very little if any insight and description of prisoners and staff and their activities, duties and stories about them as ‘people’—that is as mentioned  this book is ‘warts and all’. 

The rewards program includes signed copies of the book, illustrations or presentations, seminars and workshops to clubs and groups. For national or international presentations webinars can be negotiated and arranged.

 I wish to thank all those who have encouraged me to write this book, who have indicated in advance their interest in assisting me to finish the book and have it published.   The book will include stories and issues relating to prisons, prisoners and prison officers.  Many people appear to be interested in what prisons are really like---what is life like, what are issues and activities that occupy the lives of those who work and live there. Many have doubts as to the accuracy of books written by those who have at best a limited exposure of what prisons are really like. Prisoners who have exposure to one or two prisons, and by staff who have worked at one or two levels in one or two prisons.  My motivation to write this book is to 'fill in the gaps' and to describe what prisons are like and how they 'operate'. It includes my almost fifty years of experience in prisons from maximum to minimum security; male and female facilities; adult and juvenile centres, and having worked at all levels from base grade prison officer to Commissioner of a State Correctional system.

 I need your help in ensuring that this book is published and available.

I have spent most of my working life in roles, jobs and activities relating to prisons. The book for lack of a better term, is in effect, a trawl through my professional life as a prison officer, prison manager, prison researcher and administrator. It covers my initiation to prisons as a base grade prison officer, in a large medium/maximum prison in California to my role as Commissioner of Corrections of all of the prisons and community correctional centres in the State of Victoria in Australia. 

The working title of the book, Prisons, The Good, The Bad, The Mad and The Sad, will include two short introductions: One by a well-known Journalist and the other by an ex prisoner.  The cover will include appropriate graphics. (prison related) The book will also include numbers of illustrations to help explain the story.

The purpose of the book is to inform, educate and entertain readers.  Readers will learn that there are many stories of prison officers and prisoners that have never ‘seen the light of day’. This book is different---this book will give you glimpses, stories and insights into prisons that will assist you to conclude, that there are aspects of prisons that are a layer below what has been written about prisons, prisoners and others—and surprise, surprise, an in depth look at "warts and all" at prisoners and prison officers.

Rewards will include:  Signed copies of the book and signed copies of illustrations from the book. Depending on the quantity of the assistance by prospective purchasers of the book the author will make presentations to clubs, groups University Seminars etc.

This book like a number of others as well as a range of projects is being ‘crowdfunded’---to put it bluntly l am seeking your assistance to offset some ( it would be great if it was all ) of the expenses involved in getting it to this stage.

I thank you for your support and look forward to publishing and sharing this book with you.  JVG 'The Boss'

Funding Target: $10,000

Illustrations                                                                                                                     1000 

Publishing, revising, proof reading, format/layout, cover design, printing              5334

Distribution                                                                                                                     1466

Pozible Fees                                                                                                                   1000

Marketing                                                                                                                        1200