The Curious Mr Howard

John Howard (1726-1790) is best known as the namesake of the UK's oldest penal reform charity, the Howard League. In this extensively researched book, Tessa West reveals his legacy and complex character.

Howard was history's first (self-appointed) prison inspector. Arriving at penal establishments unannounced, he recorded the realities behind closed doors, culminating in his iconic The State of the Prisons. A restless workaholic perfectionist, he travelled through the UK, Russia, Germany, and Holland pushing for systemic change.

West captures a highly singular individual: benevolent, obsessive, focused and lacking social contacts. This book highlights why prisons demand constant scrutiny and shows what a truly great figure Howard was.


'A riveting account of the great penal reformer'- Guardian

'Impeccably researched and fascinating'- The Howard Journal


'No-one who reads this wonderful book could dispute that Howard ranks among the most interesting people of his age'- Times Literary Supplement