In the preface to the late Mr. Edward H. Smith's
book, You Can Escape (T. Werner Laurie, 105. ad.) Mr. Edward Hale Bierstadt, who has completed the volume, writes :-- " I have thought that this would be an excellent book to keep out of prisons, for as a practical handbook- for the prospective escaper it has no equal." This description is deserved, and we would further recommend that all who fear the arm of the law should lose no time in learning what a mighty tool a buttonhook may be, how black bread can become wood substitute to conceal hacked beams, and where a file may be hidden. This collection of true stories of escapes from Ameri- can prisons make amazing. awl thrilling reading : in contrast to the prisoners' skill the " disappearing trick " seems a childish affair. It is impossible, as one reads of the patience, courage and resource of men who have gnawed wood until their jaws were malformed, who have handled red-hot iron in their efforts to prove themselves insane, who have been recaptured after years devoted to the lore of escape, not to sympathize with all prisoners.
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