Arthur George Frederick Griffiths (9 December 1838 - 24 March 1908) was a prison administrator and author who published more than 60 books during his lifetime. He was also a military historian who ...view moreArthur George Frederick Griffiths (9 December 1838 - 24 March 1908) was a prison administrator and author who published more than 60 books during his lifetime. He was also a military historian who wrote extensively about the wars of the 19th century, and was for a time military correspondent for The Times newspaper.
Born in India into a military family, Griffiths served in the Crimea, Nova Scotia and England. He was then appointed Brigade Major of the infantry at Gibraltar in 1964 and, five years later, became the pro tem governor of the convict establishment on the Rock. He accepted Du Cane’s invitation to become deputy governor of Chatham convict prison. He had an affinity for the work and successful postings at Milbank and Wormwood Scrubs followed.
In 1878, Griffiths was appointed the new, post-nationalization inspector of local prisons (in effect, an assistant commissioner). At the end 1899 he retired from prison service.
He published prolifically throughout his military and civil careers, with some of his titles running into two or three volumes, and include novels, crime stories, biographies and autobiographies, popular history, and travel. He also contributed many articles to the periodical press.
He died in 1908 at the age of 69.view less