One of the most accurate and comprehensive historical books ever written on the history of Alcatraz. A must read books for anyone interested in the history of the Rock, or those preparing a visit.

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Product Description

Alcatraz - A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years is a comprehensive reference with hundreds of pages of historic photographs, documents, and information that breaks away from traditional tourist style books. This book is the result of years of intensive research, and navigates the Island's history through rarely seen documents, interviews, and historic photographs.

Historian Michael Esslinger thoroughly details the prominent events, inmates, and life inside the most infamous prison in American History. His research included hundreds of hours examining actual Alcatraz inmate files (including rare original documents from Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and over a hundred others) exploring the prison grounds from the rooftop to the waterfront to help retrace events, escape routes, in addition to conducting various interviews with former inmates & guards. His study has resulted in detailed accounts of both the 1946 & 1962 Escape attempts. A definitive account of the 1962 escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers provides rare insight extracted through photos, and over 1,700 pages of FBI investigative notes.

Detailed narratives of Alcatraz's most notable inmates who include Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz), Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Frank Morris, the Anglin Brothers, Doc Barker, Joe Cretzer, Bernard Coy, Miran Thompson, Sam Shockley, and many-many others. Alcatraz Federal Prison - A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years, is a comprehensive reference on the history of Alcatraz and contains one of the most comprehensive archives of inmate and prison life photographs (nearly 1,000) from 1934-1963.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #285452 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 451 pages

Review
"... a greater trove of historical riches and human drama than screenwriters could imagine."
-- Jeanne Cooper, San Francisco Chronicle

"Through meticulous research, he has captured the experience of Alcatraz with an authentic voice."
-- From the foreword by former Alcatraz Inmate Darwin E. Coon.

"A detailed, in-depth, definitive, informative, and superbly presented account of an infamous institution of American history."
-- Jim Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book Review, KNLS Bookwatch

"This is a serious book, a comprehensive history of the island during its three decades as a federal penitentiary. At 451 oversized pages, including more than 1,000 pictures, it also represents a mammoth research undertaking... simply a terrific book, and an even better reference tool."
-- Sue Fishkoff, Coast Weekly

About the Author

Michael Esslinger is a historical researcher, whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, BBC, National Geographic and History Channels. In 2003 he published: Alcatraz A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years . Hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the most meticulously detailed histories ever written the subject, it has remained a best selling reference since its publication. Michael newest release, entitled Letters from Alcatraz, features a collection of original letters from Alcatraz inmates both on and off the Rock. Their letters capture the essence of life in prison and sometimes painful moments that add up to a richly textured story. It is a finer example of history from one of America's most historical landmarks. The collection features original letters from Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, the Birdman of Alcatraz, Roy Gardner and numerous others, many never before published...
He is also the author of the forthcoming reference chronicling the first expeditions to the Moon entitled: APOLLO - A Definitive History of the Apollo Lunar Expeditions. His research resulted in one of the most comprehensive assemblages of information on the Apollo Program, derived from intensive archival research and over one thousand hours of in-depth one-on-one interviews, which include the elusive Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin. He remains one of the foremost historians on the Apollo Program.
Michael is currently collaborating with Julie Dawn Cole, the original Veruca Salt in the classic motion picture Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on her personal memoir. The book entitled I Want it Now! chronicles her experiences during the entire production and also includes a fascinating portrait of her life and acting career.
Esslinger is a native California coastal resident along with his wife and three sons.

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Customer Reviews

Truly the definitive work
After having read close to 20 books on Alcatraz (I'm hoplessly fascinated by the island's story ever since my first visit there as an 11-year old) I picked this book up with the hope that it would be, as it claims to be, the definitive work.

It is. With the help of close to 1.000 photographs Esslinger effortlessly tells the story from beginning to end without writing clichés about the "Devil's Rock" or misguided rumors of guard brutality. Fascinating and vital reading.

The Definitive History of the Rock
This is a phenomenal book. I absolutely loved it. Esslinger has accomplished something near impossible in his Definitive History of Alcatraz Island. He provides a very readable narrative that blends a journalistic balance along with a skilled historian's ability to bring a rich depth into this history. This book is an important work to help further unveil the many story legends of the former prison. It has a little something for every reader's interest. The Author has successfully incorporated the story of the prison while interlacing inmate biographies into the historical context of the era.

This book is an essential reference for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating history. It's a worthy addition to any home history library!

Oustanding exhaustive research!
Michael Esslinger has put years of hard work in this book and it shows!
Pouring over thousands and thousands of files, he has condensed it into this massive brick of a book ,with hundreds of photos and files that quench the thirst of Alcatraz buffs young and old. I noticed two negative reviews which have no merit! One reviewer looks like they're the one who had the agenda by only having one review, which was a negative one against this fine book. For the other, Of course there is mention of the horrors in the book. It was always well documented that it wasn't a pleasant experience to be in Alcatraz. Just look at the rules and regulations!! Don't forget, it was supposed to be a tough prison of the damned and not Disneyland!!

Excellent! It certainly helped me in my research for my webpage on Alcatraz.

Mario Gomes, founder of myalcaponemuseum.com