{"product_id":"a-pentridge-memoir","title":"A Pentridge Memoir","description":"\u003cp\u003ePublishers description:\u003cbr\u003eA Pentridge Memoir: A Political Prisoner's Story by Barry York is a powerful and deeply personal account of his 44 days in Melbourne's notorious Pentridge Prison in 1972. Imprisoned without trial for contempt of court after defying a Supreme Court injunction that barred him from entering La Trobe University, York was one of three student activists jailed during a period of intense political unrest. His story is set against the wider struggles of the era, including opposition to America's war in Vietnam War, resistance to apartheid, and campaigns for democratic rights on university campuses. More than a prison memoir, the book reflects on power, injustice and resistance. York vividly describes the harsh realities of Pentridge-the brutality of prison officers, the despair of inmates, degrading conditions, and the psychological toll of incarceration. He also recounts his upbringing as the son of working-class migrants in Brunswick, his political awakening, and the emotional impact of a failed love affair that haunted him during imprisonment. The memoir follows York's release, when he helped establish organisations campaigning for prison reform and prisoners' rights. Arguing that prisons reflected broader social inequalities, he documents efforts to expose abuses and improve conditions. Written with honesty, humour and political conviction, A Pentridge Memoir is part prison memoir, part political history and part personal journey. Rich in historical detail and personal insight, it offers a rare window into Australia's turbulent 1970s and the enduring struggle between authority and resistance. It is an important contribution to the history of civil liberties, social justice and political activism in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eAuthor: Barry York\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePublisher: Barry York\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eFormat: Paperback\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePages: 148\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003ePublished: 12 September 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp\u003eISBN: 9781764814607\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Shop at Old Parliament House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52985289572663,"sku":"9781764814607","price":35.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0839\/9559\/0967\/files\/File-7710_medium_5b853d43-ee1a-466c-8f92-81bb17b9fa07.png?v=1789357953","url":"https:\/\/shop.moadoph.gov.au\/products\/a-pentridge-memoir","provider":"The Shop at Old Parliament House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}