Product Description

Letters from Alcatraz features an impressive collection of original correspondence from inmates both on-and-off the Rock. Their letters capture the true essence of life in prison, with fresh and historical insights to their sufferings and occasional triumphs. It is a finer example of history from one of America's most historical treasures. This rare collection features many never before published personal letters from Al Capone, George Machine Gun Kelly, Robert Stroud - the Birdman of Alcatraz, Alvin Karpis, Henri Young, John & Clarence Anglin, Roy Gardner and numerous others. Also included are narratives on the Battle of Alcatraz and other harrowing escape attempts. The letters are all presented in their original unedited form... revealing in their authenticity, representing their lives suspended in slow motion while serving time on the Rock and other prisons. They are confessionals of earnestness and probe their introspective thoughts. Sometimes deep, and sometimes they are almost too overwhelmingly honest in their descriptive accounts. Many represent their torn and textured histories in crime and the intricately layered stories of life at Alcatraz. Letters from Alcatraz is an epic exploration of a secret cloak and dagger culture once hidden behind a mythical curtain. This book is much more than a mere exercise in myth busting. Paired with its contextual and intrinsic complexities, Letters from Alcatraz grants readers privileged access to the formidable confinement conditions endured by these inmates along with their compelling portraits, and a thorough overview of the rich history of Alcatraz Island. The depth of feeling in its story, its setting, its cast and sheer inimitability, these are their lives in prose and the stories of the forgotten...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #163895 in Books
• Published on: 2008-10-07
• Binding: Paperback
• 312 pages

About the Author
Letters from Alcatraz is Michael Esslinger's second endeavor chronicling the history of Alcatraz Island. Esslinger is a historical researcher, whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, 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. 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 a 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 epic 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, and frequently participates in the guest author program on Alcatraz Island.

Customer Reviews

Personal letters from "The Rock"
Michael Esslinger does it again with this excellent work of personal letters and documents culled from files of various alcatraz inmates. We get a close up peek at what was actually written by convicts and what they recieved from their family members. I really dug the design of the book.
They are all here; Stroud,Capone, Kelly,Karpis and all the rest. Alcatraz afficionados will need this one in your library. I'm glad it's in mine.

Mario Gomes
Myalcaponemuseum

super
Excellent!

I thought Mr. Esslinger's book on "Alcatraz" was unbeatable. However, this also is a must have. I loved it. No one else could do a better job.
Gave me an insight to what the prisoners were thinking and a lot of the hardships they hard to endure. Excellent! Excellent!