Alcatraz: The Hardest Years 1934-1938

by Roy F. Chandler, E.F. Chandler

The author and his family moved to Alcatraz Island when he was 8 years old and his father was hired to staff the new federal penitentiary, designed to house the troublemakers, the prisoners no other prison could handle.

He watched as the first prisoners, including Al Capone, shuffled off the boat in leg irons, surrounded by FBI agents.

The Chandler family lived, worked and played on "The Rock" from 1934 to 1938, the prison's first years, the hardest years.

This is the true story of life inside Alcatraz, the recollections of a guard and a his young son who lived among America's most notorious bank robbers and murderers.

The book is illustrated with photographs, many from family albums.

Genres: History

123 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Tami Cappelletti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice read, well written

Enjoyed this book, interesting to see some things about Alcatraz were corrected in this book. Although they may not be available, I wish the book were longer and with more pictures. Well done.

[Lostaccount · Rating 2 out of 5]

A short book, not very well written, too much gung-ho sentiment about the gaurds (the author's father in particular) being tougher than the cons. Yet even as described by the author it seems pretty lame in comparison to some modern American prisons I've read about and seen in documentaries. I wanted more about the Alcatraz inmates, more story, but this was more a poorly written semi-autobiographical account of living on the island during those years 1934- 1938.