Hard Place To Do Time
Hard Place to Do Time: The Story of Oakalla Prison 1912–1991 by Earl Andersen is a vivid chronicle of one of Canada’s most notorious correctional institutions. Located in Burnaby, British Columbia, Oakalla Prison Farm operated for nearly 80 years—housing everyone from petty thieves to hardened criminals, and witnessing a long legacy of escapes, riots, hangings, and reform.
Drawing on firsthand accounts, archival records, and personal interviews, Andersen paints a raw portrait of daily life behind the walls—from the brutal conditions of the early 20th century to the evolving corrections philosophy that eventually led to the prison’s closure. The book also explores the broader social and political forces that shaped Oakalla’s role in B.C.’s justice system.
Perfect for readers interested in Canadian history, criminal justice, or the human stories behind prison walls, Hard Place to Do Time is a compelling look at a place where punishment, power, and perseverance collided.
- In Stock Out of Stock
- Hillpointe Publishing
- 0969706901
- January 1, 1993
- Stock Photo
- 190
- L 22.9cm x W 15.3cm x H 1.8cm
Book Condition Notes
New: A brand-new, unused, unread copy in perfect condition.
Like New: A copy that looks unread and in perfect condition. Dust jacket is intact, with no nicks or tears. The spine has no signs of creasing. Pages are clean and are do not have any notes or folds of any kind. May have a remainder mark. (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Very Good: A copy that has been read but is in great condition. May have slight cosmetic defects such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes on the cover, pages, spine and dust jacket if applicable. Pages and dust cover (if applicable) are intact and do not have any notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Good: A copy that has been read but in clean condition. The spine, cover, pages and dust jacket (if applicable) may show signs of wear such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes. Pages and dust cover (if applicable) are intact and do not have any notes or highlighting. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).
Acceptable: All pages are intact; the cover is intact. The spine, cover, pages and dust jacket (if applicable) may show signs of considerable wear such as marks, wears, cuts, bends and crushes. Pages can include limited notes in pen or in highlighter, but the notes do not obscure the text. May have a remainder mark (usually black or red in colour and is usually a dot or line on the bottom of the book on the page edges).