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Birdman of Alcatraz
It was "The Rock." Thirteen acres in the middle of San Francisco Bay, home to the most dangerous men of their time. There was no gas chamber, no gallows, no quick way out. Sealed off and separate, it brooded over its inmates.
Robert Stroud, grandson of a judge, was one. Sentenced to life in solitary confinement, he found solace in the birds that landed outside his cell window. For years he studied them, trained them and eventually wrote several books on their behavior. Remarkably, Stroud spent nearly 40 years in solitary before he died -- he never knew "alcatraz" means "pelican," or that early settlers called it "Bird Island."
254 pages
First published January 1, 1955
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606 people want to read
About the author
Thomas E. Gaddis
4 books18 followersThomas E. Gaddis was an American author, most noted for his book Birdman of Alcatraz (1955), about convicted murderer Robert Stroud.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 21, 2023
Fascinating, thought-provoking, and moving story of Robert Stroud, who is educated only through the third grade, who leaves home at 15, who is imprisoned in 1909 at 19 for the murder of a man who rapes his girlfriend, who later kills a prison guard, and who is kept in solitary confinement for longer than any other prisoner in federal-prison history (over five decades).
Despite the limitations imposed by his sentences, mostly in Leavenworth and Alcatraz, Stroud becomes a world expert on birds and bird diseases, finding cures for a few of the latter that had, until Stroud’s discoveries, been considered incurable. When his birds are taken away from him, he teaches himself French, studying and translating the works of Baudelaire, Hugo, and Balzac. Stroud always searches for ways to keep his mind occupied, to learn more, and to apply his learning practically.
In a letter to a fellow bird-fancier quoted in the book’s epilogue, Stroud writes, “I have demonstrated time and again that no man is or even can be defeated until he, himself, quits fighting...I have spent a lot of time locked up , but...I have never served time...because I have made that time serve me, and I have never been able to find enough of it to do all the things that I wanted to do” (264).
I do not know whether or not Stroud should have been released from prison (he never was) although the book makes a pretty strong case that Stroud’s prison sentence was longer and harsher than it perhaps should have been. Still, Stroud accomplishes more in solitary confinement than most free people do with far more resources and possibilities, and his situation forces the reader to contemplate on what an effective prison system is or could be.
Despite the limitations imposed by his sentences, mostly in Leavenworth and Alcatraz, Stroud becomes a world expert on birds and bird diseases, finding cures for a few of the latter that had, until Stroud’s discoveries, been considered incurable. When his birds are taken away from him, he teaches himself French, studying and translating the works of Baudelaire, Hugo, and Balzac. Stroud always searches for ways to keep his mind occupied, to learn more, and to apply his learning practically.
In a letter to a fellow bird-fancier quoted in the book’s epilogue, Stroud writes, “I have demonstrated time and again that no man is or even can be defeated until he, himself, quits fighting...I have spent a lot of time locked up , but...I have never served time...because I have made that time serve me, and I have never been able to find enough of it to do all the things that I wanted to do” (264).
I do not know whether or not Stroud should have been released from prison (he never was) although the book makes a pretty strong case that Stroud’s prison sentence was longer and harsher than it perhaps should have been. Still, Stroud accomplishes more in solitary confinement than most free people do with far more resources and possibilities, and his situation forces the reader to contemplate on what an effective prison system is or could be.
August 6, 2024
The Birdman of Alcatraz was really the Birdman of Leavenworth, but Leavenworth is in the middle of the Great Empty while Alcatraz shines on the San Francisco Bay. This is called Branding.
Robert Stroud was a convicted murderer with an IQ of 134. He first killed in revenge for an assault on his prostitute (he was a pimp). First he knocked the guy out, then shot him dead. He went to prison. There, he became notorious for his aggressive behaviour, feared by guards and inmates alike. He then killed a prison guard. Instead of being hanged, he was commuted to a life sentence, thanks to the intervention of the wife of President Wilson.
Stroud then began working with injured birds in his cell and became a renowned expert. However, he remained violent and after being caught using his bird equipment to make illegal liquor, he was transferred to Alcatraz.
He was not allowed to keep birds on the Rock, so he spent his time studying law and history. Once again, his fellow inmates were scared of him because of his aggressiveness and the prison leaders kept a strict watch on him. When Hollywood decided to make a movie about him, Burt Lancaster came to meet him. Big Burt and the Birdman were not exactly lookalikes as one was a nutbucket with nutbucket looks and one was a movie star with movie star looks.
I explain all of that, because if you read this book, you will believe that Robert Stroud was more like a Burt Lancaster than a wacked-out psycho. Author Thomas Gaddis definitely takes the soft side here, but that's his opinion as every convict seems to have an advocate. This edition was published in 1958 and my copy has the following sticker on the cover:
Creepy. The author led a movement to release The Birdman, because of his reputation with birds. Gaddis was backed by a large contingent of bird breeders, who demanded his release.
Although I don't agree with the soft-peddling of the subject, this book is well-written. In fact, it is so well-written, I almost started believing. Hypnosis.
Dude was Sinister...with a capital "S".
Book Season = Autumn (the season of nutbuckets)
Robert Stroud was a convicted murderer with an IQ of 134. He first killed in revenge for an assault on his prostitute (he was a pimp). First he knocked the guy out, then shot him dead. He went to prison. There, he became notorious for his aggressive behaviour, feared by guards and inmates alike. He then killed a prison guard. Instead of being hanged, he was commuted to a life sentence, thanks to the intervention of the wife of President Wilson.
Stroud then began working with injured birds in his cell and became a renowned expert. However, he remained violent and after being caught using his bird equipment to make illegal liquor, he was transferred to Alcatraz.
He was not allowed to keep birds on the Rock, so he spent his time studying law and history. Once again, his fellow inmates were scared of him because of his aggressiveness and the prison leaders kept a strict watch on him. When Hollywood decided to make a movie about him, Burt Lancaster came to meet him. Big Burt and the Birdman were not exactly lookalikes as one was a nutbucket with nutbucket looks and one was a movie star with movie star looks.
I explain all of that, because if you read this book, you will believe that Robert Stroud was more like a Burt Lancaster than a wacked-out psycho. Author Thomas Gaddis definitely takes the soft side here, but that's his opinion as every convict seems to have an advocate. This edition was published in 1958 and my copy has the following sticker on the cover:
Creepy. The author led a movement to release The Birdman, because of his reputation with birds. Gaddis was backed by a large contingent of bird breeders, who demanded his release.
Although I don't agree with the soft-peddling of the subject, this book is well-written. In fact, it is so well-written, I almost started believing. Hypnosis.
Dude was Sinister...with a capital "S".
Book Season = Autumn (the season of nutbuckets)
April 12, 2021
A great story about a prisoners (Stroud) refusal to give up on living and a single minded determination to make the most of the life he did have.
Well written, quick and easy to follow along.
Well written, quick and easy to follow along.
June 24, 2021
Finally I'm reached to the book devoted wholly and individually to Robert E. Stroud, unlike others works, like Killer: A Journal of Murder, The House of Whispering Hate, Panzram at Leavenworth and Tom White: The Life of a Lawman, in which he stroll out as important and bright, but strictly secondary character. But I'm watched a movie! Speaking this way I am feel uncomfortable resemblance with hordes of mindless consumers who is rushing in the bookstores only after successful (or not so) screen version, and for whom is prepared all this ugly covers with movie screenshot. In this case however, I was spared from this grim future - to see completely unStroud face of Burt Lancaster.
While reading the first 60 pages I thought that will be bear typical book-screen version dichotomy—thoughtful, truthful and engaging book—and barely bearing in best case only half of this qualities along with a half of the plot and characters - screen version, but for my surprise, the whole tone of the movie — mildly melodramatic, less about true filthy surrounding - more about charming widow, and nearly modern stupid craziness about "those pretty pets" — birds, was coming from the book itself.
While reading this book you'll never came to know about such man as Frederick Cook the first explorer of South Pole, Charles S. Wharton - "ex-congressman, ex-lawyer and ex-convict", who later wrote one of the best biography (and with one of the best title, if I my add) «The House of Whispering Hate» about own time on Leavenworth, Johnny Wren, ex-boxer, notorious bully and rapist, who while sitting in Isolation, not so distant from the Stroud himself, in the time of several months screamed in distress all night long, and by day wrote threatening letters to warden White, not about Panzram who, with his own case of killing prison official on Federal ground inside prison, bear much in common with Stroud own death sentence case 11 years before, and his trying to convince Panzram to commit suicide and supplying him with razor blade before execution.
Beside of Stroud and his mother, mostly it focused on wardens, and yes, one mistake, on page 203 it was said that Thomas Bruce White lost his arm after he was shot in 1931 prison escape, this is not true, only severely wounded. The only other prisoner about whom we we get more description - it it some unknown for me Feto Gomez.
However, amount of the truth and subsequently interest quickly restored itself, when we have possibility to read own Stroud words: (page 60 and 61)
At the end I must admit that probably 70% of my perpetual grouch coming not from not so good writing of Thomas Gaddis (But «Killer» written 15 years later is much better and meticulous, maybe due to co-author James O. Long, but, I suppose mostly because of authentic Carl words) but from Robert E. Stroud personally. I must admit, I didn't like him. All this razor blade smuggling and how-to-better-commit-suicide loud speaking in case of Carl Panzram, his „peacemaking“ effort in Alcatraz riot (for what? There will be no peace, and no redemption, only futile attempt to suicide, with hope to smuggle outside swallowed note about his manuscript inside own dead body for some mainland civilian pathologist to find it on autopsy) and the whole birdsy endearment. Of course all this not condone any of prison official behavior: oppressing convicts which wanted to testify in his case, and cutting down time to whom who is testified against,
banning his books from publication, his manuscript «Looking Outward: A Voice From The Grave» managed to came out only in 2013 (!), and second part about his childhood still yet to follow. Probably they wait till not only every eyewitness wardens die but their children too. Who would like everyone to know that his precious dad was not "fallen hero" or at least resigned with honor, but instead was widely known as Captain Dribble, and this nickname was deserved?
While reading the first 60 pages I thought that will be bear typical book-screen version dichotomy—thoughtful, truthful and engaging book—and barely bearing in best case only half of this qualities along with a half of the plot and characters - screen version, but for my surprise, the whole tone of the movie — mildly melodramatic, less about true filthy surrounding - more about charming widow, and nearly modern stupid craziness about "those pretty pets" — birds, was coming from the book itself.
While reading this book you'll never came to know about such man as Frederick Cook the first explorer of South Pole, Charles S. Wharton - "ex-congressman, ex-lawyer and ex-convict", who later wrote one of the best biography (and with one of the best title, if I my add) «The House of Whispering Hate» about own time on Leavenworth, Johnny Wren, ex-boxer, notorious bully and rapist, who while sitting in Isolation, not so distant from the Stroud himself, in the time of several months screamed in distress all night long, and by day wrote threatening letters to warden White, not about Panzram who, with his own case of killing prison official on Federal ground inside prison, bear much in common with Stroud own death sentence case 11 years before, and his trying to convince Panzram to commit suicide and supplying him with razor blade before execution.
Beside of Stroud and his mother, mostly it focused on wardens, and yes, one mistake, on page 203 it was said that Thomas Bruce White lost his arm after he was shot in 1931 prison escape, this is not true, only severely wounded. The only other prisoner about whom we we get more description - it it some unknown for me Feto Gomez.
However, amount of the truth and subsequently interest quickly restored itself, when we have possibility to read own Stroud words: (page 60 and 61)
At the end I must admit that probably 70% of my perpetual grouch coming not from not so good writing of Thomas Gaddis (But «Killer» written 15 years later is much better and meticulous, maybe due to co-author James O. Long, but, I suppose mostly because of authentic Carl words) but from Robert E. Stroud personally. I must admit, I didn't like him. All this razor blade smuggling and how-to-better-commit-suicide loud speaking in case of Carl Panzram, his „peacemaking“ effort in Alcatraz riot (for what? There will be no peace, and no redemption, only futile attempt to suicide, with hope to smuggle outside swallowed note about his manuscript inside own dead body for some mainland civilian pathologist to find it on autopsy) and the whole birdsy endearment. Of course all this not condone any of prison official behavior: oppressing convicts which wanted to testify in his case, and cutting down time to whom who is testified against,
banning his books from publication, his manuscript «Looking Outward: A Voice From The Grave» managed to came out only in 2013 (!), and second part about his childhood still yet to follow. Probably they wait till not only every eyewitness wardens die but their children too. Who would like everyone to know that his precious dad was not "fallen hero" or at least resigned with honor, but instead was widely known as Captain Dribble, and this nickname was deserved?
February 3, 2015
I hate birds, so I spent a lot of time wondering why on earth he'd want to save them all. But I loved the writing. Stroud's story seems completely unreal, and yet... such is the depressingly real nature of being held up as an example of a Bad Man inside an astoundingly bureaucratic jail system.
April 20, 2023
Does anyone know where I can get this book in a digital format? I tried my best to find it, but here I am 😩
P.S. I rated it with 5 stars, because I'm sure it is worth many more stars!
P.S. I rated it with 5 stars, because I'm sure it is worth many more stars!
June 1, 2020
Birds, riots, learning French, trials, presidents and Mack Sennett too! Did prison life bring about Robert Stroud's yearning for knowledge? How would his life have turned out had he continued school from 3rd grade on? Why didn't his devoted mother insist on his going back to school(it was his choice to leave)? What is the effect of being devoid of role models? This well written biography is an excellent source for debate. After his 1st murder, his mother thought, if left to her, she could reform him. After the 2nd murder, she felt, perhaps, a need for the insanity defense. One of the morals of the book is a mother's love for her son, not to give up hope. She gave it her all in the hopes of a release but knew there were mental problems which she felt were the fault of her husband. The author magnifies the intelligence and good aspects of the subject, which are proven through documents. There's nothing wrong in looking for the good, but the reader's feeling is that there is something that is left untold. Stroud was a different person in many ways towards the end of his life, but deep down, maybe held on to less desirable traits. Another book, Birdman by Jolene Babyak, based on reviews, dealt mostly with the negatives. One point is undeniable. Stroud's Digest on the Disease of Birds helped many ornithologists and is still held in a large amount of libraries. The edition of Birdman of Alcatraz used for this review was the 5th printing pb from August 1962. The movie, prevented from filming 3 times, was released in July 1962. There are 2 typo's in the paperback and the cover is somewhat fragile. The afterward was written in January 1962. It would have been interesting to have seen how Stroud was treated after the movie's release! Don't expect this book to be a realistic portrayal of prison life. What this book does very well is raise questions after the reading of it. Would his life have been better if he had instead been placed in a facility for the mentally challenged? Was his mistake being too manipulative and constantly trying to undermine authority? You decide!
July 15, 2017
What a great and interesting book. I'm an avid bird watcher so I truly loved it
June 1, 2018
I may have marked this as non-fiction, but this white-washed version of a psychopath and his crimes almost makes it a fairy tale. When Stroud murders a man for not paying and roughing up a prostitute Stroud pimps, Gaddis portrays it as a love-lorn youth set to avenge the mistreatment of his devoted lover. At every turn, the overwrought narration tries to excuse its protagonist from his violent actions, which completely confused me. How can Stroud be confined for decades, mostly in solitary, if he's such a reasonable person? He's not a political prisoner; he's not totally unsupported by family; he's not even a minority. The only conclusion I can draw is that stabbing a guard to death in front of over 1,000 prisoners shows sadism, not moxie.
July 9, 2021
Un gran hombre y una gran vida dentro de sus posibilidades.
No era lo que me esperaba de libro, me dejé embaucar por el título en español, sin darme cuenta que el 60% del libro hable de canarios y de todas sus andanzas con los pájaros.
El libro está dividido en tre partes y la tercera parte es la única que habla de su estancia en Alcatraz, mencionando y describiendo un motín que se produjo en el bloque D y ha sido lo que más me ha gustado.
Tristisimo el nefasto trato de las instituciones penitenciarias y los gobernantes a este hombre, negandole su libertad. Es un fabuloso relato de cruda realidad en las prisiones.
No era lo que me esperaba de libro, me dejé embaucar por el título en español, sin darme cuenta que el 60% del libro hable de canarios y de todas sus andanzas con los pájaros.
El libro está dividido en tre partes y la tercera parte es la única que habla de su estancia en Alcatraz, mencionando y describiendo un motín que se produjo en el bloque D y ha sido lo que más me ha gustado.
Tristisimo el nefasto trato de las instituciones penitenciarias y los gobernantes a este hombre, negandole su libertad. Es un fabuloso relato de cruda realidad en las prisiones.
February 25, 2021
This book made me question criminals and prisons one more time. The first one was “Duvarların Ötesi” by Turgut Özakman, and since I’ve read and watched that play, I’ve been thinking about these from time to time. This time I didn’t only think but also have inspired by Stroud’s passion for learning and surviving.
** The only negative comment that I can make for this book is the writing technique. I mean, it repeats itself sometimes, and I just believe that it could’ve been written or translated better than that.
** The only negative comment that I can make for this book is the writing technique. I mean, it repeats itself sometimes, and I just believe that it could’ve been written or translated better than that.
July 5, 2021
me ha encantado!!! creo que tengo un don para dar con los libros que necesito en el momento oportuno, si no cómo se explica que haya dado con este libro carcelario (por casualidad) cuando estoy en cuarentena...
me parece que la historia está terriblemente bien contada y me ha atrapado desde el minuto uno. Es una novela que hace reflexionar sobre temas importantes: la libertad, el derecho a ser perdonado, la capacidad de superación.
me parece que la historia está terriblemente bien contada y me ha atrapado desde el minuto uno. Es una novela que hace reflexionar sobre temas importantes: la libertad, el derecho a ser perdonado, la capacidad de superación.
November 23, 2023
Recommendation from a friend.
I actually really enjoyed this. I liked hearing about Stroud’s determination and desire to learn more about the birds. I’m amazed at all the work he was able to do within confinement, becoming an expert in the birds, finding cures for diseases, writing literature, etc. It wasn’t hard for me to stay into the book.
I actually really enjoyed this. I liked hearing about Stroud’s determination and desire to learn more about the birds. I’m amazed at all the work he was able to do within confinement, becoming an expert in the birds, finding cures for diseases, writing literature, etc. It wasn’t hard for me to stay into the book.
December 11, 2019
Q: The 1955 book Birdman of Alcatraz, written by Thomas E. Gaddis, chronicled the life of Robert Stroud, an inmate who befriended and studied birds while in prison. What actor played Robert Stroud in the 1962 film adaptation of the book Birdman of Alcatraz?
A: Burt Lancaster
A: Burt Lancaster
March 29, 2018
Very interesting if you are into the history of Alcatraz.
April 21, 2025
Una historia interesante pero con partes un poco aburridas sobre pájaros y sus enfermedades.
September 20, 2016
I felt that this novel was very interesting and well written. I originally picked it up because I thought that it was about the famous escape from Alcatraz, but this book is in fact about a man who keeps birds in his cell. They are taken away from him when he is shipped to Alcatraz. My heart went out to poor Robert Stroud...such an amazing, dedicated person. I would never have survived the prison system.
July 21, 2008
this book was an utter disappointment. i wanted to learn about the psychopath that was robert stroud. gaddis was in love with stroud and it made for a romanticized story far from the truth of the cold murderer.
September 9, 2013
Not knowing the true story at all, I found the book to be interesting and compelling. After finishing and reading the Wikipedia page, I was amazed at the liberties taken by Gaddis! Why not just write a fictional book loosely based on Stroud?
January 11, 2009
book has been around forever - made into a movie - love love love it.
July 2, 2012
So far so good...
July 4, 2014
Excellent book. Oldie but a goodie.
November 14, 2015
Great book, even if it's too bad it's considered "largely fictional" in how it portrays Stroud.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews