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Escape from Alcatraz
In 1963, just weeks before the original publication of this book, the last prisoner was escorted off Devil's Island and Alcatraz ceased to be a prison. Author J. Campbell Bruce chronicles, in spellbinding detail, the Rock's transition from a Spanish fort to the maximum-security penitentiary that housed such infamous inmates as Robert Stroud, aka the 'Birdman of Alcatraz', and mobster Al 'Scarface' Capone. The chapters describing the daring escape attempts by Frank Morris and two accomplices from this inescapable prison became the basis for the 1979 Clint Eastwood movie. Discover the intriguing and absorbing saga of Alcatraz, whose name is still synonymous with punitive isolation and deprivation, where America's most violent and notorious prisoners resided in tortuous proximity to one of the world's favorite cities.
217 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
October 5, 2014
Obviously coming into a book called ‘Escape from Alcatraz’, one expects that most – if not all – of it will be about those guys who actually escaped from Alcatraz and how they did it. But clearly there wasn’t enough material in the actual escape storyline to merit a whole book. Those events take up about sixty pages in the two hundred and thirty page length. They’re well written and gripping pages though, and by far the best passage in the book (even if they do fall into the trap of knowing what a man who didn’t write anything down and just disappeared into the night thought about the things he saw and experienced on his way out). As good as the passage was though, it did leave this particular reader – who came in looking forward to hearing all about the escape – feeling a trifle short changed.
Before we get to the escape, we get a history of the prison and its various inmates and the exciting events which occasionally occurred. These feel far more rambling, suffering from that lack of focus and subsequently only intermittently interesting. It’s like a meal which has an okay starter and a fine main course, but the starter is a huge soup bowl you can barely lift let alone finish, and the main course is over in three bites. It’s an adventure story which is all context and a taste of adventure at the end.
This history did however bring to the fore that there had been other escape attempts from Alcatraz which were at least as successful (two men sailing away in darkness on a self made craft and never seen again) or even more successful (man forging warden’s signature on release form and just waltzing off), which makes one wonder why this particular – probably failed – escape attempt was able to write itself into legend and receive (what’s supposed to be) it’s own book.
I’m much more on the rehabilitation than punishment side of the penal debate, so I’m broadly in concord with the points the author makes in his conclusion – about how the sheer brutality of Alcatraz meant it failed as a prison. I just wish that the book which went before was much more focused and far less frustrating.
Before we get to the escape, we get a history of the prison and its various inmates and the exciting events which occasionally occurred. These feel far more rambling, suffering from that lack of focus and subsequently only intermittently interesting. It’s like a meal which has an okay starter and a fine main course, but the starter is a huge soup bowl you can barely lift let alone finish, and the main course is over in three bites. It’s an adventure story which is all context and a taste of adventure at the end.
This history did however bring to the fore that there had been other escape attempts from Alcatraz which were at least as successful (two men sailing away in darkness on a self made craft and never seen again) or even more successful (man forging warden’s signature on release form and just waltzing off), which makes one wonder why this particular – probably failed – escape attempt was able to write itself into legend and receive (what’s supposed to be) it’s own book.
I’m much more on the rehabilitation than punishment side of the penal debate, so I’m broadly in concord with the points the author makes in his conclusion – about how the sheer brutality of Alcatraz meant it failed as a prison. I just wish that the book which went before was much more focused and far less frustrating.
November 18, 2024
Ger upp på denna boken, fattar absolut ingenting
February 28, 2019
This is not what I expected, but since I like what it is, it was a pleasant alternative.
This is not a spine tingling account of an escape from Alcatraz. There are many blow by blow accounts of escapes And attempts, but these are not the only focus. These escapes are described in the context of the history, politics, abuses, human rights issues, prisoners, legal challenges, and cover ups which drove escapes from one of the most notorious prisons in the United States.
I am reminded of one of the core messages of A Clockwork Orange which left me constantly asking, when, if ever, is it justified to remove or deprive an individual’s humanity? Many of The Rock’s practices, since ruled cruel and unconstitutional, went far beyond restrictive discipline. They were designed to break, often permanently, a man’s body and or mind.
The motivation to justify and fund Alcatraz fueled unscrupulous practices, secrecy and a hopeless environment men would voluntarily escape with death at their own hands or risk at the hands of guards or the brutal elements on and surrounding the island.
If all you want is an account of an escape, perhaps the movie would suit you better. But it you want to understand more, it’s worth the time.
This is not a spine tingling account of an escape from Alcatraz. There are many blow by blow accounts of escapes And attempts, but these are not the only focus. These escapes are described in the context of the history, politics, abuses, human rights issues, prisoners, legal challenges, and cover ups which drove escapes from one of the most notorious prisons in the United States.
I am reminded of one of the core messages of A Clockwork Orange which left me constantly asking, when, if ever, is it justified to remove or deprive an individual’s humanity? Many of The Rock’s practices, since ruled cruel and unconstitutional, went far beyond restrictive discipline. They were designed to break, often permanently, a man’s body and or mind.
The motivation to justify and fund Alcatraz fueled unscrupulous practices, secrecy and a hopeless environment men would voluntarily escape with death at their own hands or risk at the hands of guards or the brutal elements on and surrounding the island.
If all you want is an account of an escape, perhaps the movie would suit you better. But it you want to understand more, it’s worth the time.
October 10, 2007
A terrific way to follow up the fantastic Alcatraz tour --buy a copy of J. Campbell Bruce's classic right there in the gift shop and read it on the flight home. A fascinating account that's truly tough to put down.
June 14, 2024
the title is a bit misleading as the titular escape is only the last 50 pages of the book but it's still a great read about the history of the prison and the horrors of the mid-century federal prison system. quick read and very interesting i'd recommend
November 1, 2025
okay so this is a bit poorly named, the focus on escaping from alcatraz definitely shares the limelight with the history of alcatraz but i really didn’t mind that because as we all know, im a swot.
i went into this with only a very vague knowledge of the famous prison (it was high security, on a rock, al capone was sent there) and i finished it furnished with lots of alcatraz facts.
the most interesting element for me was the discussion of the ethics, or lack thereof, of such a severe prison, the stories of inmates being driven mad by the conditions was horrifying. as someone who’s sympathy lies more in the camp of abolitionists than the penal system this was fuel for fire of my belief that heavy handed incarceration creates far more problems than it solves.
super interesting, solid read.
i went into this with only a very vague knowledge of the famous prison (it was high security, on a rock, al capone was sent there) and i finished it furnished with lots of alcatraz facts.
the most interesting element for me was the discussion of the ethics, or lack thereof, of such a severe prison, the stories of inmates being driven mad by the conditions was horrifying. as someone who’s sympathy lies more in the camp of abolitionists than the penal system this was fuel for fire of my belief that heavy handed incarceration creates far more problems than it solves.
super interesting, solid read.
July 29, 2015
The eternal quest between the man and the walls,not so impressive,however it has it's own taste,
cinematically,it may be considered as a prelude to Shawshank Redemption,although the latter is far more better in almost all aspects,,,
cinematically,it may be considered as a prelude to Shawshank Redemption,although the latter is far more better in almost all aspects,,,
January 3, 2008
After reading this book, I watched the movie and learned that stories of Alcatraz are definitely better read than watched.
March 28, 2021
I've wanted to read this book ever since a visit to Alcatraz several years ago. It was detailed, engaging, and dark.
June 10, 2021
Incredible book - I loved the in-depth historical analysis and critical look at the prison industrial complex.
June 26, 2018
Escape from Alcatraz by J.Campbell Bruce was the basis for the eponymous Clint Eastwood film. Unlike the movie, whose prime focus is on the escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers from Alcatraz prison, the book gives details about the history of Alcatraz island and the prison established on it. Very interesting information, but the writing style unfortunately is not as polished as one may have hoped, and I think the book needed a better copy editor to clean up its prose. After reading this book, I would encourage the curious reader to read the following two books which contain some additional information about the history of Alcatraz and also about the Morris-Anglin brothers escape:
1. https://www.amazon.com/Riddle-Rock-Su...
2. https://www.amazon.com/Roy-Gardner-My...
1. https://www.amazon.com/Riddle-Rock-Su...
2. https://www.amazon.com/Roy-Gardner-My...
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July 21, 2021I didn't know how much I didn't know about Alcatraz :p most of my knowledge was around the Al Capone era but I didn't realize he left there insane :/
Some aspects of this book were fascinating. Very informative and engaging. But... And I don't know if it's bc I listened on audio, the writing didn't feel smooth. It felt like some aspects were rushed and some too fleshed out. There were times it seemed to abruptly jump or end.
So, glad I read it but 🤷🏻♀️😊
(Does make me want to visit Alcatraz island more than I already did though :p)
Some aspects of this book were fascinating. Very informative and engaging. But... And I don't know if it's bc I listened on audio, the writing didn't feel smooth. It felt like some aspects were rushed and some too fleshed out. There were times it seemed to abruptly jump or end.
So, glad I read it but 🤷🏻♀️😊
(Does make me want to visit Alcatraz island more than I already did though :p)
December 27, 2025
Really enjoyed reading this while looking at the photos i took while i was on the rock not long ago. I’ve done a lot of research on the island, and this book included a lot of stories i hadn’t heard yet! Super interesting, but just a heads up: it was not all about the big escape (which is what i was expecting). Either way it’s a good read!
March 1, 2023
How can a book about something inherently interesting be so dull?
January 15, 2026
I how little I actually knew about Alcatraz while reading this book! What a horrible place to be sent! This was a fascinating read!
September 14, 2013
It was an interesting book but it doesn’t devote much time to the famous escape by Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin. Clint Eastwood’s movie covers the details of the escape very well. Not all of the details are revealed in the movie but it does come close.
It does go into a complete history of the island and how it evolved into the notorious institution it became. The interesting facts about the inmates, the daily routine of the prison and the politics involved in the silence of the Bureau of Prisons about how it was operated are intriguing.
It didn’t reveal much more than I already knew about Alcatraz. Still there are parts of it's history that inform, educate and entertain.
It does go into a complete history of the island and how it evolved into the notorious institution it became. The interesting facts about the inmates, the daily routine of the prison and the politics involved in the silence of the Bureau of Prisons about how it was operated are intriguing.
It didn’t reveal much more than I already knew about Alcatraz. Still there are parts of it's history that inform, educate and entertain.
September 5, 2009
Escape From Alcatraz is a collection of true stories about escape attempts from the notorious prison off the coast of California on Alcatraz Island. One of them, the account of the possibly the only successful escape attempt, was made into a movie of the same name starring Clint Eastwood, among other famous name actors. That escape was not confirmed as successful or failed because the three men, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, were never seen again, nor were their bodies ever recovered from the ocean. Alcatraz was closed shortly thereafter. I thought it was an interesting book.
February 28, 2018
The biggest problem with this book is this book isn't advertised correctly. It talks about the big Frank Morris escape at the front of the book and advertises it on the cover and such like it's a big part of the book. Really, it's not. It is just another one of the stories in this book. Yes, it devotes a bit more time to it, but really not that much more. And to me, that's not necessarily a bad thing, just bad marketing. What this book does is give a good overview of Alcatraz and several of its various escapes. If that appeals to you, check it out!
April 29, 2013
Would recommend watching the Clint Eastwood movie over reading this book that the movie is based off of. (Something I usually am against!)
The book contains the Clint Eastwood story, as well as many other smaller snippets of information that are kind of jumbled and the flow is not very good.
The book contains the Clint Eastwood story, as well as many other smaller snippets of information that are kind of jumbled and the flow is not very good.
April 21, 2025
I read the audiobook. This is a good book, but it definitely suffers from disorganization. As many have stated, the title doesn't accurately describe what the book is about. It also lacks an introduction or thesis that describes the intentions or central argument of the author. This is a brief history of the island and also of the various escape attempts made by prisoners. The most detailed escape described is the last escape made by Morris and the others, but it is not the central focus of the book as you might think the title is implying.
Without a central purpose or organizing principle, the book is not as enjoyable or powerful as it could be. The author talks about the morality of the prison itself and the American prison system, but the argument doesn't really bubble above the surface until the end of the book. This is a really interesting argument that clearly is supported throughout the book and I think this should have been the crux of the book. The other chapters could have expressly discussed this argument and built it up throughout the book. Instead, I was unsure what argument was being made of any until late in the book. I would have loved for the argument to be deeper and better expressed. What should the prison system consist of or do? Is it changeable?
I think the age of this book makes me a bit less critical, however. The author says himself he was stonewalled by most people involved with the prison while he was m gathering information. If the book were more detailed and had more sources that were readily apparent to the reader that certainly would have helped. It is interesting having a book written from a contemporary, howey, as it gives a glimpse of how people saw Alcatraz in the 60s
I'd recommend looking for a more recent and comprehensive history of Alcatraz. this is relatively short book though, so if you have a copy on hand, and the subject (not just the escapes) compels you, it's worth reading as long as you're not someone who insists on digging deeply. If you do read the book, I recommend following up on the main escape as there have been other pieces of evidence and theories that have popped up since the book was written.
Without a central purpose or organizing principle, the book is not as enjoyable or powerful as it could be. The author talks about the morality of the prison itself and the American prison system, but the argument doesn't really bubble above the surface until the end of the book. This is a really interesting argument that clearly is supported throughout the book and I think this should have been the crux of the book. The other chapters could have expressly discussed this argument and built it up throughout the book. Instead, I was unsure what argument was being made of any until late in the book. I would have loved for the argument to be deeper and better expressed. What should the prison system consist of or do? Is it changeable?
I think the age of this book makes me a bit less critical, however. The author says himself he was stonewalled by most people involved with the prison while he was m gathering information. If the book were more detailed and had more sources that were readily apparent to the reader that certainly would have helped. It is interesting having a book written from a contemporary, howey, as it gives a glimpse of how people saw Alcatraz in the 60s
I'd recommend looking for a more recent and comprehensive history of Alcatraz. this is relatively short book though, so if you have a copy on hand, and the subject (not just the escapes) compels you, it's worth reading as long as you're not someone who insists on digging deeply. If you do read the book, I recommend following up on the main escape as there have been other pieces of evidence and theories that have popped up since the book was written.
December 10, 2019
For Alcatraz fanatics like me, Escape from Alcatraz is an amazing book that provides lots of information about the iconic escape of Frank Lee Morris and the Anglin brothers. This book even provides background information about the island and what life was like for the islanders. This book talks about the escape attempt that happened in the year of 1962 where two brothers and Frank Lee Morris try to escape "The Rock." Even though we don't know whether or not they escaped till this day, it is still known as one of the most famous escape attempts Alcatraz has had.
One literary element that I believed help this book was the setting and the amount of information the author used to help let the reader picture the escape more vividly. The author even added pictures which provides even more info for the reader. The picture provided the tools they used, what their cells looked like when they escaped and even provided pictures of what the island looked like back then. In order for these three men to escape, they needed to find a way to get out of the prison. They used spoons and tools from the mechanic shop to dig the air vents out of their cells which allowed them to climb up to the roof and then make it into the cold waters of the bay. With the author providing all of these literary elements, the reader is able to picture this story well and it grabs your attention instantly which makes this book very good.
One literary element that I believed help this book was the setting and the amount of information the author used to help let the reader picture the escape more vividly. The author even added pictures which provides even more info for the reader. The picture provided the tools they used, what their cells looked like when they escaped and even provided pictures of what the island looked like back then. In order for these three men to escape, they needed to find a way to get out of the prison. They used spoons and tools from the mechanic shop to dig the air vents out of their cells which allowed them to climb up to the roof and then make it into the cold waters of the bay. With the author providing all of these literary elements, the reader is able to picture this story well and it grabs your attention instantly which makes this book very good.
December 4, 2023
Super interesting history of Alcatraz island and its many iterations, from a fortress during the Spanish Civil War, to a prison for Confederate POWs, to the infamous federal penitentiary from which over thirty men made daring escape attempts during its 29-year operation. The book was published only ten months after Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers successfully escaped from the prison in December 1962, and it was really neat to read such a detailed account of the plotting and execution of this attempt (gleaned from the fourth co-conspirator, Allen West, who was left behind by the other men and who received a plea deal for his cooperation). This book also served as the basis for Clint Eastwood's 1979 film adaptation of the same name, which I now feel compelled to rewatch!
Knocking off a star because some of Campbell Bruce's syntax is convoluted and awkward (crazy how much the vernacular changes in 60 years!) and also because I received a bum edition which is missing a couple of pages from Chapters 12 and 14 :(
Knocking off a star because some of Campbell Bruce's syntax is convoluted and awkward (crazy how much the vernacular changes in 60 years!) and also because I received a bum edition which is missing a couple of pages from Chapters 12 and 14 :(
August 20, 2019
I had a hard time staying interested in this one. It was surprisingly dry. I’ve had the opportunity to tour Alcatraz and (even on a sunny day) you can feel a sense of foreboding as you approach the island. (Inside is not much better.) Wondering what must have been going through a prisoners mind knowing that this was their stop. That they weren’t leaving anytime soon. I didn’t get that same sense of foreboding or desperation in this book. The author seemed more interested in the history of Alcatraz than providing more discussion on the escape attempts. I suppose it’s because the prison itself was such a mystery at the time that there’s not much available. However, my nosey self was left wanting.
September 8, 2020
I simply felt I should read this as the Clint Eastwood movie is one of my favourites. As a whole the book was not as good as I though it was going to be and I probably say that as the whole entire book is not purely about the famous Frank Morris and Anglin Brothers escape. In saying that though, it is still and interesting and compelling read about the rest of Alcatraz's history which goes back quite some time. There is a sense of realism and grittiness in the way it is written, the same feeling which was adapted into the film. It covers a lot of aspects about the prisons' lifespan and makes you how restricting and awful the place must have been.
December 11, 2020
Great book on the history of an American icon of the penitentiary system. If you are looking for a fictional account of the movie this is not your book. I was shocked to hear about the cruelty and disregard for human rights imposed on these prisoners.
Once the conditions of the prison were made public the footing of prison reform was set in stone.
I'm no bleeding heart liberal but locking a man in a dark 4x8 cell with bread and water and a honey bucket emptied every 3 days drove criminals to the brink of insanity and beyond. imagine this for months and in some cases years.
the book eventually get to the story line of the movie and wraps up well.
This book is not a waste of time.
Once the conditions of the prison were made public the footing of prison reform was set in stone.
I'm no bleeding heart liberal but locking a man in a dark 4x8 cell with bread and water and a honey bucket emptied every 3 days drove criminals to the brink of insanity and beyond. imagine this for months and in some cases years.
the book eventually get to the story line of the movie and wraps up well.
This book is not a waste of time.
May 17, 2025
Enjoying this book that talks about the history of Alcatraz. It gives examples of how the system worked starting in the early 1900s to its closure. It mentions infamous men like Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly. After visiting Alcatraz recently, it was interesting to learn how the prison system worked when it was a functioning prison-- that its focus was not on rehabilitation, but on retribution, which is terrible. That the people inside couldn't stand the conditions Alcatraz bore-- a psychological and historical insight into their mentality.
The book is well written, and the setting is vividly described. It doesn't get into Frank Morris until the ending chapters, however.
The book is well written, and the setting is vividly described. It doesn't get into Frank Morris until the ending chapters, however.
January 16, 2024
Despite being called "ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ" and having Frank Morris on the cover, it doesn't get into the Morris/West/Anglin story until Chapter 16 of 21. Even then, other topics are discussed over those 5 chapters. Deceptively titled, this should have been called "A History of Alcatraz". Some of the interesting facts in this book are overwhelmed with the poor book report style used throughout. If you want to learn more about Morris, West and Angling read Jolene Babyak's book "Breaking the Rock".
May 13, 2024
3.5 stars. The book does conclude with Morris and the Anglin brothers escape from Alcatraz (West being left behind to tell the tale...well, as much as they would allow him, which was not much).
The book is so much more, however, and goes into detail about the history and formation of the prison, what a day was typically like there for inmates, attempted breakouts, who some of the prisoners were, and about the men working as guards and the families living on the island. I found it pretty interesting.
The book is so much more, however, and goes into detail about the history and formation of the prison, what a day was typically like there for inmates, attempted breakouts, who some of the prisoners were, and about the men working as guards and the families living on the island. I found it pretty interesting.
July 7, 2025
I decided to read this after our President announced his desire to reopen Alcatraz.
He should read this himself before proceeding with those plans. It seems the government had good reason for closing Alcatraz due to high costs and aging infrastructure. In this book, Bruce details the history of Alcatraz and the man attempted escapes from the prison over the years of its existence. I was surprised to learn how many escapes there were and that Alcatraz wasn’t actually reserved for the “worst of the worst” in the US prison system.
He should read this himself before proceeding with those plans. It seems the government had good reason for closing Alcatraz due to high costs and aging infrastructure. In this book, Bruce details the history of Alcatraz and the man attempted escapes from the prison over the years of its existence. I was surprised to learn how many escapes there were and that Alcatraz wasn’t actually reserved for the “worst of the worst” in the US prison system.
September 26, 2018
I just recently took a trip to San Francisco and visited Alcatraz. I was worried after the tour that the book would be boring. Totally the opposite! When they talked about D Block and Broadway, I knew what that meant and had been there! I thought the book was great. Very detailed and talked about lots of other break out attempts than the tour did. I have no knowledge of J. Campbell Bruce per say, but I thought the book was well written and very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews