Here are some themes and topics from "From Pentonville to Pentridge: A history of prisons in Victoria" that could help you connect it to other books in a library:
* **Prisons and Imprisonment:** This is the most obvious theme, allowing connections to books about prisons in other locations, prison reform, the sociology of imprisonment, and the experience of incarcerated individuals.
* **Australian History:** The book's focus on Victoria places it within the broader context of Australian history. You could connect it to books about crime in Australia, the history of Victoria, or Australian legal history.
* **Penal Systems:** Explore the evolution of penal systems, philosophies of punishment, and the effectiveness of different approaches to incarceration.
* **Social Control:** Prisons are a form of social control. Connect to books about criminology, sociology, and the mechanisms societies use to maintain order.
* **Architecture:** Pentonville and Pentridge are specific prison buildings. Connect to books about prison architecture, the history of building design, or the impact of architecture on behavior.
* **Social History:** Prisons reflect the social values and anxieties of their time. Connect to books exploring poverty, inequality, and social reform movements.
* **Legal History:** The book likely touches on the laws and legal frameworks that led to imprisonment. Connect to books about the history of law, criminal justice, and legal reform.
* **Biographies and Memoirs:** Connect to biographies of prisoners, prison officers, or reformers who were involved with the Victorian prison system.
* **Crime and Punishment:** A classic theme that connects to literature, philosophy, and sociological studies of crime, its causes, and its consequences.
* **Rehabilitation:** Explore the history and effectiveness of rehabilitation programs within prisons.
* **Specific Crimes:** The book may discuss specific types of crimes that were prevalent in Victoria during the period it covers. This could lead to connections with books about those specific crimes or criminals.
* **Comparative Penology:** Compare the Victorian prison system to those in other parts of the world, both historically and in the present day.
* **Theories of Punishment:** Explore the philosophical justifications for punishment, such as retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation.
* **Prison Reform Movements:** Connect to books about individuals and organizations that have advocated for changes in the prison system.
* **The impact of incarceration on families and communities:** Explore the social consequences of imprisonment beyond the individual prisoner.