Alcatraz from Inside: The Hard Years, 1942-1952

by Jim Quillen

Book Overview

Each day we saw the outside world in all its splendour, and each day that view served as a reminder that we had wasted and ruined our lives. Jim Quillen, AZ586 - a runaway, problem child and petty... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0962520616
• ISBN13: 9780962520617
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Golden Gate National Parks Association
• Length: 12 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 8.5" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

A very touching true account of life from within Alcatraz

A truly suberb, heart warming account of Jim Quillen's life. Having met Jim on Alcatraz in 1997. I felt nothing but sympathy and admiration for this man who had suffered so much. Anna

Fantastic

Have read this book and meetMR Quillen who also autographed book for me. Waiting for film to be made based on this book. It will be an oscar winner.

Nicely written account of life on the Rock . . .

This happens to be one of my favorite books about Alcatraz. Nicely written and very insightful to prison life in what was the most famous prison in American history. The book has some wonderful info on the Riot's of 46'. Quillen has since passed away but story will live on....

Totatally Consuming

I just want to start by saying that this book is the best that I have read about Alcatraz. It tells you about how hard life really was on the island. This book also tells you about one mans life that led him to reside behind the unescapeable walls of the most infamous prison in history. In my opinion Mr. Quillens book is the best! I have known him for about five years now and I think the only better way to hear about Alcatraz is to hear Mr. Quillen talk about it himself. If you ever get a chance to visit the island stop by the first desk you see and there you will find Jim Quillen. He is a very soft spoken, kind, and gentle man. Also he is one of the best people that I know. I consider myself very fortunate to have a friend like Mr. Quillen.

Feels like you're there!

Gripping account of how Jim Quillen's life of crime started during his childhood, culminating in his incarceration at Alcatraz. He describes in great detail, life at Alcatraz, infamous inmates that were there with him, and escape attampts (including the famous and bloody 1946 attempt that was made into a TV movie). The last part of the book deals with how he turned his life around towards the end of his sentence at Alcatraz and what he has been doing for the past 30+ years as a free man. You will come away with some incredible insights into criminal life, the penal system, and man's ability to survive, adapt, and most importantly--change.