The book "German and Austrian prisons. The prisons of Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Austria-Hungary; the fortresses of Magdeburg and Spielberg" by Arthur Griffiths is a study of prison institutions in German-speaking countries of the 19th century. The author describes in detail the conditions of detention of prisoners in various institutions, in particular in Prussia, Bavaria, Saxony and Austria-Hungary. He also examines the history of the fortresses of Magdeburg and Spielberg, which held political prisoners and criminals. This book will provide the reader with a deep understanding of how prisons in these countries functioned in the 19th century, as well as the challenges faced by prison institutions at that time.