In a hall-of-mirrors Britain, malcontents are held in an ancient, city-sized penitentiary - 'Prison'. Edwin Norris, a dissatisfied showbiz reporter, tries to launch a serious career by investigating the place, only to become a captive himself. Journeying through the grotesque dominions of Prison, he is subject to re-education, joins a protest that becomes a riot and narrowly escapes being tortured to death. His injuries are healed only for him to be used in a medical experiment. Later, he witnesses the prostitution of inmates, tastes prison work and prison privilege. In all this he encounters crooks and chancers, sadistic gaolers, evil scientists, drag queens, a mysterious helper, a lover and more. As his ordeal threatens to engulf him, Edwin questions the worth of his own existence. At the last, an amnesty within reach, he makes a discovery that forces him to decide what to make of his life. This book is not suitable for younger readers.