Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years [Paperback]

Michael Esslinger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2011 | ISBN-10: 0970461402 | ISBN-13: 978-0970461407 | Edition: Eighth

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.

Editorial Reviews

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 and best-selling author whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, National Geographic and History Channels.

His work spans entertainment, science, politics and historical subjects. From Space to Alcatraz, he has interviewed icons that have shaped world history, and continues to write on subjects that explore a vast spectrum of the human experience. He resides in California with his wife and three sons.

Product Details

• Paperback: 451 pages
• Publisher: Ocean View Publishing; Eighth edition (July 24, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970461402
• ISBN-13: 978-0970461407
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #46 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Crime & Criminals  > Penology

More About the Author

Michael Esslinger is a historical researcher and best-selling author whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, National Geographic and History Channels. His work spans entertainment, science, politics and historical subjects.

From the elusive crew of Apollo 11, to inmates of Alcatraz, he has interviewed icons and other figures that have shaped history and continues to write on subjects that explore a vast spectrum of the human experience.

His books ALCATRAZ - A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years and Letters from Alcatraz continue as best-selling references chronicling the island's rich historical past. He is the co-author of the classic film memoir: I WANT IT NOW! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a magical memoir penned by Julie Dawn Cole, the original Veruca Salt in the classic motion picture with Gene Wilder.

Current projects include a comprehensive history on the Apollo Program, documenting mankind's epic journey to the moon, and Al Capone - the King of Alcatraz, a historical account of Capone's hard years on the Rock.

He resides on the California Coast with his wife and three sons.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive History of the Rock, June 10, 2003

By 

Lisa Myers (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years (Paperback)

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!

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly the definitive work, August 11, 2003

By 

Jon (Tärnsjö Sweden) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years (Paperback)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oustanding exhaustive research!, December 23, 2007

By 

Mario Gomes (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years (Paperback)

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