Incarceration

This special issue uncovers histories of incarceration in France and the French empire from the early modern period through the late twentieth century. Its articles examine both coerced and non‑coerced forms of confinement, including prisons, penal colonies, and monastic institutions. The issue illuminates the shifting priorities of governing authorities as well as the concrete practices of enclosure. It also invites reflection on the legacies of these policies and experiences, especially in light of the contemporary context of high imprisonment rates in France and its overseas territories.

Contributors: Nicole Bauer, Haley Bowen, Christina Carroll, Sophie Fuggle, Leon Hughes, Briony Neilson, Nicolas Picard, and Sarah B. Sussman