Escape from Alcatraz
by J. Campbell Bruce
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Book Summary Information
Author: J. Campbell BruceEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-04-01
ISBN: 1580086780
Number of pages: 240
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Book Reviews of Escape from Alcatraz
Book Review: Brief History of Alcatraz and Its Inhabitants
Summary: 3 Stars
J. Campbell Bruce tells the story of the famous island in San Francisco Bay from its "discovery" in the late 1700's to its decommissioning in the 1960's. Understandably, the story focuses on the lurid period during which Alcatraz was a brutal prison for America's most difficult prisoners. Given its reputation for inescapability the story of Alcatraz features several daring (and some not-so-daring) attempts to escape. Receiving special attention is the attempt by Frank Morris and two accomplices that may or may not have been the sole successful escape from the Rock. The Frank Morris story, with undoubted debt to this book, later became a legendary motion picture under the same name as this book.
While far from exhaustive, Escape From Alcatraz provides a brief and interesting history of Alcatraz. Some fascinating stories are given only brief mention, e.g. the story of the children of Alcatraz's employees who were raised on the island, most of the relevant players and events are touched upon. The book's special focus on mobster-era prisoners and, especially, possible escapee Frank Morris are understandable and, in fact, quite well done. The narrative of the Morris escape, in particular, reads like a potboiler. Some of the discussion of Alcatraz notables, however, feels a bit gossip columny - more name dropping than content. All in all, a good and quick read for anyone looking for only a brief dip in the frigid waters surrounding Alcatraz.
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