Publisher Description
Mobster Al “Scarface” Capone; “Machine Gun” Kelly; Robert Stroud, a.k.a. the Birdman: only the most violent, desperate criminals went to Alcatraz Island, often referred to simply as “The Rock.” This federal prison’s conditions were so harsh that escape, riot, even death, were an inmate’s only hope.
This gripping true-crime classic was originally written in 1963 and published just weeks after the last prisoner was escorted off Devil’s Island, marking the end of Alcatraz‘s days asa prison. It tells the story of the Rock’s transition from a Spanish fort to a maximum-security penitentiary, of life on The Rock, and of fourteen ingenious escape attempts by the prisoners. The chapters describing the attempts of Frank Morris and two accomplices became the basis for the 1979 Clint Eastwood film,Escape from Alcatraz. Author J. Campbell Bruce chronicles in spellbinding detail the absorbing saga of Alcatraz—the “inescapable” prison—where America’s most violent and notorious prisoners resided in tortuous proximity to one of the world’s favorite cities.
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“A terrific way to follow up the fantastic Alcatraz tour –buy a copy of J. Campbell Bruce’s classic right there in the gift shop and read it on the flight home. A fascinating account that’s truly tough to put down.
”—
R.Friend (4 out of 5 stars)
