Fire in the Big House

"Fire in the Big House" by Mitchel P. Roth offers a comprehensive account of the deadliest prison disaster in U.S. history—the 1930 Ohio Penitentiary fire—exploring its tragic aftermath and placing it within the broader context of American penal history. The book delves into the conditions that contributed to the disaster, including overcrowding and systemic issues, and examines its enduring relevance to contemporary prison reform debates. Through vivid storytelling and historical analysis, it provides a compelling look at one of the most devastating events in correctional history.