Alcatraz: A Very Brief History

by Mark Black

'Alcatraz: A Very Brief History’ is a concise history of the maximum security prison that housed some of the country's most dangerous inmates, including such infamous criminals as Al Capone and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud. However, the history of Alcatraz is more varied and interesting than many people might think; its strategically important location in the San Francisco Bay meant that it was an important defensive fort for several decades, and it played a key role in the American Civil War, when it served as a military prison.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2012

Reviews

[Jerry Jares · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick book summarizing the history of the famous and infamous Alcatraz. Having already watched a documentary about this prison, I thought I knew its history.

However, Mr. Black explained the attempts to escape and what happened to the miscreants; that part made for interesting reading. Otherwise, the eBook was rather tame.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting outline of the history of Alcatraz Island. One chapter chronicles the several escape attempts that were made when the island was a federal prison. This book has fewer misspellings and grammar issues than other books I have read in the Very Brief History series.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting but it kind of ended without a proper conclusion or ending.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed that this book was so short. Yes, I know it says "very brief history," but I can still hope for longer. I wish it had even four times longer. It's very informative, but leaves me yearning for more. I didn't need so many details about certain things, and ended up bored in a few spots, like the Amerindian occupation. Personally, I like the history back when the prison was actively used. Just my personal preference.

[Videoclimber(AKA)MTsLilSis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the history of Alcatraz. It is a very interesting place. I personally find it fascinating. There are many details on the escape attempts here that I had not read in other books. A quick read for those who don't know much about Alcatraz.

[Emily Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressively informative given the length of the book!

[Cynthia Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island Jail

This the first book about Alcatraz I have read that actually gave a better telling than high school history books,very well written

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but has many facts. I was on Alcatraz twice when it was still a prison. My uncle, James Albright, was a guard and also wrote a book about his experiences as a guard, 'Last Guard Out.'

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This did exactly what it said it would do. A couple of grammar issues, but nothing too annoying.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short read great for those wanting to travel to Alcatraz.