7 works of literature written in a prison

The death of Arthur

Thomas Malory is a mysterious writer of the fifteenth century, but we know he was in prison as he wrote these stories about King Arthur. Although there is much literature about it, this book is the first to give us an image of the famous character.

Letter from Birmingham jail

Martin Luther King is known as one of the main proponents of equality in the United States. He was imprisoned in 1963 for leading a public outcry. For 9 days he wrote this letter in the margins of newspapers and even in toilet paper, in response to those who accused him of agitator. The letter became a fundamental document for the defense of civil rights.

Marco Polo's travels

After the return of his trip of more than two decades, Marco Polo was prisoner for leading an Italian galley against the enemy city. During his time in prison he used to tell his adventures about China and his time as an employee of the Mongol chief. A prisoner writer, Rustichello of Pisa, then helped him write The Trips of Marco Polo, which consolidated him as the most famous explorer.

Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Before being so famous, Nelson Mandela was prisoner for 27 years, at which time he wrote his Autobiography. Her prison mates transcribed the book, and the original version was hidden in the yard. The guards found him, but the copy managed to leave when some of them were released. However, the book did not see the light until 1994.

My struggle

Adolf Hitler, one of the most controversial characters in history, was sentenced to 5 years in prison in 1924, after executing the Munich Coup. My Struggle is a mix between autobiography and political and racial exposure. It was published in 1925, after he was released at 9 months for an amnesty for political prisoners. Although at first it was not successful, its recognition grew as the power of the Nazis advanced.

The 120 Days of Sodom or the School of Debauchery

The Marquis de Sade is one of the most controversial writers in history, and by his personality and ideas spent much of his life in prison. During his seclusion in the Bastille wrote this work, and hid it in a hollow of the wall. It was discovered and published several years after his death, in 1814. Due to the perversions he relates he was banned and denounced numerous times.

De Profundis

Oscar Wilde had a controversial life because of his homosexuality. His relations with several men led him to be a prisoner and to perform heavy jobs for "indecency." At that time he wrote a letter to Lord Alfred Douglas, with whom he had a long relationship, published after his death with the name De Profundis.