Escape from Alcatraz

By: J. Campbell Bruce

Narrated by: Patrick Cullen

Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

Mobster Al "Scarface" Capone, "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert Stroud, aka the Birdman: only the most violent, desperate criminals went to Alcatraz Island, called "The Rock" and known for its harsh conditions. This gripping true crime classic, originally written in 1963 and newly reissued, tells the story of life on The Rock and of 14 ingenious escape attempts by the prisoners. Most notable perhaps was Frank Morris, whose daring plan of escape was the basis for the memorable 1979 Clint Eastwood movie Escape from Alcatraz.

©1963 J. Campbell Bruce (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Dramatic...thrilling...remarkable." (Los Angeles Times)
"Much more than a prison chronicle, much more than a tale of escape." (Chicago Tribune)

Interesting book

The writing does a good job at what the daily life at Alcatraz was like. Great piece of non-fiction.

Recommended.

I want more!

After listening to this book, I want to learn more about the prison. I really enjoyed the Bird Man of Alcatraz movie and now I want to see if there is a book about him. The history of the island, Al Capone, the escapes and the escape methods were fascinating. If you like history, this book moves along and is not boring.

Escape from Alcatraz

I have a morbid interest in the lives and sometimes deaths of scumbags and prison life , but not actually wanting to go there myself
Very interesting ,historically and another light cast upon the film of the same name
well worth a credit or cash

NOT About The Escape. But Good Book About Alcatraz

This book is a fine book about Alcatraz, but it is not focused on the 1962 escape.

An education about Alcatraz

This book only has a section about the actual escape from Alcatraz. The rest of the book is filled with fascinating insights into the workings of the prison, including the various methods used to break down prisoners psychologically. The piece on Al Capone was very interesting. I found this whole book a great education on Alcatraz itself and would highly recommend it. The narrator did a great job of bringing the details and facts to life.

Four star history

Would you consider the audio edition of Escape from Alcatraz to be better than the print version?

I think it would be easier to read than to listen to, it is more historical than entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Escape from Alcatraz?

Probably the information on the way they kept the prisoners isolated from each other and without any news on the outside.

What about Patrick Cullen’s performance did you like?

I think he did a great job in general.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Prison of the mind.

Any additional comments?

If you are a history buff than you will like this detailed account of Alcatraz and its detailed account of some notorious inmates.

Intense and Captivating! This Book Is Great!

This book about “The Rock” was one of the most captivating and intense books that I’ve ever read! I didn't know what to expect when I started listening to it, but it just kept getting better and better as it went on!

Some of the most notorious and notable crime figures of all time did time at Alcatraz and the author does a great job of telling the story of each and every one of them. Crime bosses such as Al Capone, Robert “The Birdman” Stroud, Machine Gun Kelly and so many more we covered and so many more!

If you’re into intense true crime books, this one should be at the top of your list!