Letters from Prisoners

Below is a selection of excerpts from the numerous letters we receive from prisoners. Please support our ability to fulfill these requests by Joining Friends of Insight Press!

Greetings to your entire staff. I am a captive in one of California's thirty-three prisons... I stumbled upon a piece by Bob Avakian titled "Intoxicated With the Truth" from his book Observations on Art and Culture, Science and Philosophy. This is very inspiring material. The purpose of this letter is to ask if your press room has any misprinted or damaged copies of the book... that I could possibly receive. I know it's unlikely, but I would really appreciate one if you've got it lying around. It's difficult for us captives to get ahold of literature a lot of times due to lack of funds and a myriad of restrictions on the literature we can get... Keep publishing works like this that contribute to the creativity and critical thinking of those who become exposed and take up these works.
- from a prisoner in California

My problem is less than major: for sure, but with your help and assistance that will be changed for the better with a small donation to a poor black person working day and night to continue his learning an education from behind bars. I wish to request one copy of the book by Ardea Skybreak, The Myth of Creationism, soft cover, if possible. 
- from a 60 year old prisoner in Texas

Do you have literature you give to prisoners? If so how do I go about obtaining it? ... Do you have a free literature list for prisoners?
- from a prisoner in Missouri

I have finished reading the book which you were so kind to have sent to me... Insight Press, Inc. you have gotten off to a good start. The literature must continue. We must keep the flame alighted! I sincerely hope for the success of your newly afooted publishing house. And without a doubt, in whatever capacity I can, I will promote the enterprise... the future is bright; but we must seize the brightness.
- from a prisoner in California

This letter is in request to your book catalog for which I would like to obtain a copy for the books you have available for purchase... I am currently imprisoned to which I have very limited amount of resources to aide my interest for the purchase of books... I have been inclined to the recent release of Ardea Skybreak's Science of Evolution. I have a strong interest in any written materials by Mr. Avakian and members of the Revolutionary Communist Party. My kindest regards and thanks in advance for your considerations to this request...
- from a prisoner in Illinois

I don't know if you have a current catalog of the books that you carry, if you do I would like to get one. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
- from a prisoner in Wisconsin

May peace and blessings be upon you and your family and company as well!! ... I would like it very much if you can send me the book on the Dispatches from the People's War in Nepal by Li Onesto. I am a indigent person who can't afford to pay for these items.
- from a prisoner in Texas

I've finished reading both of the books (From Ike to Mao and Beyond by Bob Avakian and Dispatches from the People's War in Nepal by Li Onesto) and they're being circulated and read through the POD here, as is all the material I receive... Again, I not only thank you for the books, but I simultaneously apologize for not being in a position right now to pay for them. I'm always eager to gain knowledge that can be put to use and I assure you that anything that you send is never in vein. Even if I don't agree with all of it, it's read thoroughly, circulated and always discussed/debated.
- from a prisoner in California

I'm writing you concerning the possibility of obtaining a catalog of all the different revolutionary books you have for sale... I'm interested in ordering some good studying revolutionary books etc... For now I like to thank your workers for their time and help.
- from a prisoner in California

I'm writing ya concerning an order I need: From Ike to Mao and Beyond... Also I'm ordering Bob Avakian: Observations on Art and Culture, Science and Philosophy... time here has really been ruff on me, but I'm keeping it solid yet.
- from a prisoner in Mississippi

I'm a prisoner writing you to respond to the book From Ike to Mao and Beyond. I read Bob Avakian's memoir I found it very interesting and inspiring. Also I got a better understanding of what Chairman Avakian went through growing-up and struggling and an insight into Bob's dedication and strong belief in the science of Marxism-Leninism-Maoist. And in Bob Avakian's broad range of history and of the world in general. I really appreciate you sending me this book... [and then he goes on to request several other books.]
- from a prisoner in California

I extend my best to you. I saw the advertisement for Ardea Skybreak's new book The Science of Evolution. I'm indigent and wanted to inquire if ... I could work out a discounted price that I might be able to afford for a soft cover edition of this book. It would be of a tremendous help.
- from a prisoner in California

I am an indigent person who cannot afford to pay for these items. I'm requesting the book by Ardea Skybreak, The Science of Evolution and the Myth of Creationism... Thank you!
- from a prisoner in Texas