This week The Guardian has published Alan Smith‘s final Philosophy for Prisoners column alongside a photograph specially commissioned for the article. On 26 February 2013, Smith was the centre of a photo-shoot which celebrated over 10 years of his writings as a Guardian columnist.

A teacher of philosophy and literature in a Northamptonshire Category C prison, Smith started writing Guardian columns about his extraordinary experiences in 2001. Infusing his prison encounters with humanity, honesty, warmth and humour, Smith’s articles have resulted in academic visits to Rollins College, Orlando (2012) and the University of Central Oklahoma (2012).

Smith’s final article and photo-shoot for The Guardian are confirmation of the great contribution that he has made to UK journalism and the lives of those involved in his work.

To read Alan’s final thought-provoking article and see the published photograph visit:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2013/apr/08/prison-philosophy-classes

To engage with Smith’s columns visit:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/series/philosophy-for-prisoners

See more of Alan’s work on NECTAR.

Image: Hoe’s one cylinder printing press – public domain via Wikimedia Commons