Litercurious Book Review

“No Human Contact” begs the question: When does punishment become a crime? _{Kado, for Litercurious. March 5, 2025.}

Is “NO HUMAN CONTACT” justice, or is it cruel and unusual punishment? Pete Earley, investigative journalist extraordinaire, investigates this question, and his conclusions demand re-evaluation, especially in light of recent debates on prison reform and human rights. 

AUTHOR’S BIO

Pete Earley, Pulitzer Prize finalist, former Washington Post reporter, and bestselling author of “The Hot House,” is best known for his works on mental health and social issues. “No Human Contact” is a thought-provoking exploration that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the impact of isolation on the human psychology of extreme punitive isolation, its influences, and its effects..

SYNOPSIS

“No Human Contact” is a disconcerting look at the American prison system’s practice of long-term solitary confinement and the two killers whose actions inspired the creation of the “Supermax” prisons and forever changed modern-day corrections. 

In 1983, Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain were members of the Aryan Brotherhood Prison Gang (A.B.). They were both serving life sentences for murder at the U.S. Prison in Marion, Illinois. On the same day, in the same institutional facility, on the same cell block, they separately killed Correctional Officer (C.O.) Merle Eugene Clutts and CO Robert L. Hoffman Sr, respectively. CO Merle Eugene Clutts was stabbed approximately 40 times by Thomas Silverstein due to a personal grudge. Eight hours later, Clayton Fountain brutally murdered Officer Robert L. Hoffman Sr., stabbing him 67 times. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) condemned both men to the severest punishment that they could legally impose at the time, one created specifically for them in response to their incredibly savage attacks. Silverstein and Fountain were deemed too dangerous to be around other inmates and Correctional Officers. The BOP mandated that the two men remain separated, in isolation called “No Human Contact.“  Their combined actions inspired the creation of the first Supermax Prison, United States Penitentiary (USP) Florence in Colorado. 

Following the murders, the Federal Bureau of Prisons separated Silverstein and Fountain. Fountain moved to the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, and Silverstein transferred to the United States Penitentiary in Atlanta. The men initially spent nine months in mattress-sized cells, where the lights burned twenty-four hours a day, completely sealed off from the outside world, with only their minds to occupy their time. Eventually, they received minimal privileges; Fountain turned to religion and became a monk. He spent the rest of his life in isolation in a Missouri prison; he died in his cell in 2004. Silverstein became a skilled artist at the ADX Florence Supermax facility in Colorado, where he was held in solitary confinement until he died in 2019. Silverstein was the longest-held prisoner in isolation at the time of his death.

CONCLUSION

Pete Earley’s “No Human Contact” is a profound exploration into the depths of America’s prison system, focusing on the harrowing experiences of Thomas Silverstein and Clayton Fountain. Known for his insightful forays into complex societal issues, Earley once again demonstrates his prowess in unraveling the intricacies of the U.S. penal system while weaving a narrative that is as enlightening as it is emotionally stirring.

Silverstein and Fountain, two inmates at the Marion prison facility, are central to this narrative. Their stories are not just personal accounts but serve as a lens through which Earley examines the broader implications of solitary confinement and the emergence of supermax prisons. 

Earley’s meticulous research sheds light on the incidents at Marion that led to seismic shifts in prison policies. The book delves deep into the conditions at Marion before and after these changes, painting a vivid and grim picture of the harsh realities of life in high-security prisons.

“No Human Contact” is not merely a chronicle of policies and prisons; it’s a deep dive into the psychological impact of extreme isolation and the moral questions surrounding the treatment of inmates. Earley skillfully interweaves the personal struggles of Silverstein and Fountain with a critical analysis of the implications of their treatment – both for the individuals themselves and society at large.

What sets this book apart is Earley’s ability to humanize his subjects. Despite their crimes and the subsequent punitive measures, he portrays Silverstein and Fountain as complex individuals, not mere caricatures of violence and retribution. This approach provides a more nuanced understanding of their experiences and challenges readers to confront their own preconceptions about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.

In its emotive conclusion, “No Human Contact” transcends the boundaries of traditional prison literature. Earley doesn’t just record events; he invites introspection. The book becomes a profound commentary on the human cost of extreme penal measures and the often invisible scars left by prolonged isolation. It’s an urgent call to reevaluate the principles underlying the American prison system.

“No Human Contact” is a critique of the penal system and a powerful narrative that resonates with empathy and a deep understanding of the human condition. Earley’s work is a compelling read for anyone interested in criminal justice, prison reform, or the broader societal implications of incarceration. Through the stories of Silverstein and Fountain, Earley masterfully brings to light the often overlooked or misunderstood aspects of life behind bars, making “No Human Contact” a significant contribution to the discourse on prison reform and human rights.  

“No Human Contact” is a captivating and emotionally resonant book that reflects on the importance of human connection and its influence on our well-being. The authors’ adept storytelling and insightful exploration of the human condition make this book a compelling and thought-provoking read. The narrative is poignant and relevant, providing a profoundly moving exploration of the human experience in extreme isolation.

I highly recommend Early’s other works.  I’m reading “The Hot House,” also by Pete Earley, and find it a real page-turner. It retells the personal experiences of those souls condemned to serve time in the Leavenworth Correctional Facility, aka The Hot House. 

To conclude, “No Human Contact” is a must-read for those who appreciate rich character development and a profound understanding of the human psyche.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank Pete Earley, Rich Miller, Citadel Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the opportunity to review “No Human Contact: Solitary Confinement, Maximum Security, and Two Inmates Who Changed the System.”

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