SCOTTSBORO BOY

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1950

As told by Haywood Patterson, the leader of the nine Scottsboro Boys, now at large although still unpardoned, this is the story of the case which- with that of Sacco and Vansetti is still remembered as a sorespot of prejudice and judicial inequality. From the time when the case began on a freight train out of Chattanooga ""with a white foot on my black hand"", this follows through the scuffle in a boxcar which was distorted into a charge of attempted murder and rape. From the first trial which led to two years in the death row, to second trial when the boys were defended by Liebowitz, to the third trial predetermined in its outcome under a prejudiced judge, this goes on to the six years spent at Atmor State Prison Farm, familiarly known as ""Murderer's Home"", where life was ""as low as the ground"", and from which- in 1943- Patterson attempted to escape. Failing, he was sent back to the prison of Kilby, and after years of torture- finally escaped in 1948. The account here of the depravity of life within our southern penal system, both among the officials and the criminals, is one of unbelievable horror. It can be hoped, however, that with this book public pressure can be brought to secure the long due pardon for Patterson- and the sensational, shocking aspects here make this account absorbing.

Pub Date: June 1, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION