Top 8 Alcatraz Books

1. Alcatraz: A Definitive History of the Penitentiary Years

Compiled after thorough research into a wide variety of sources, with lots of photos.

2. Birdman; The Many Faces of Robert Stroud

The San Francisco Chronicle called Bird Man a "detailed, thoroughly documented biography."

3. Breaking the Rock: The Great Escape from Alcatraz

Interviews, FBI and prison documents expose the 1962 "escape of the century", written by someone who was there when it happened.

4. Eyewitness on Alcatraz

Jolene Babyak grew up on Alcatraz. This book tells the story of the families who lived on Alcatraz and of the happy -- and unhappy -- lives lived there.

5. Fortress Alcatraz; Guardian of the Golden Gate

The first book to detail the colorful story of Alcatraz' military career. It contains 141 rare photographs

6. Gardens of Alcatraz

A guide to the amazing array of plants on the island.

7. History of Alcatraz Island, 1853-2008

Full of historical photos.

8. Like a Hurricane : The Indian Movement from Alcatraz to Wounded Knee

Documents three turbulent years of Native American history, when a few dozen activists occupied Alcatraz Island.