Guarding the Rock

by Ernest Lageson

2008 Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy oversize softcover(trade paperback, Ernest Sr. & Son Lageson. A detailed look at Alcatraz Island from a former prison guard and his son.

189 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Erin Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading an insiders perspective of life on Alcatraz. Written by a former prison guard, and co-written by his son, you get a real life view of their own experience. From many tales and facts of famous escape attempts, to the inner thoughts of prior inmates. If you enjoy grabbing onto pieces of history, it’s a good read.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love hitting book shops associated with historical places I visit. My family recently toured Alcatraz and I eagerly browsed books that could take me back and give me in insight into what it was really like when the penitentiary was in use. This book was an easy read, and the author augmented his own experience on The Rock as a guard with many historical accounts over the 29 years during which men were imprisoned. Indeed, I don't recall reading the exact duration dates of Mr. Lageson's employment at Alcatraz -- his research was so thorough that the whole book read like first-person experience.

All the numbers were there: how many men, how many escape attempts, how many casualties. But the book was organized well, so it didn't seem like a textbook and kept the reader engrossed. It still baffles me however, that a small-town North Dakota schoolteacher would have the courage to morph into a guard over some of the most dangerous men in America at the time. He doesn't dwell on the psychological toll of always having to be on your guard in case an inmate snapped and attacked. This must have an issue to deal with though -- the author comes across as quite fearless.

The book's authors are recorded as father and son. After the father passed away, the son took the unpublished manuscript and finished it. The content is all described in the first person however, so it seems like the story is totally told from the father's point of view. What a way for a son to preserve his father's legacy.

[Danielle Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a look at Alcatraz from the view of a prison guard and his son. The insiders look is invaluable. The short descriptions of the most notorious prisoners are fascinating, but the most incredibly part of this story is the guard’s first hand account of being held hostage in 1946 in the notorious break out attempt that left two guards dead.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a really interesting book. It wasn't the most well written book, but the author wasn't a professional writer...he was just writing his experiences as a guard on Alcatraz. I really liked reading his perspective.

[Robin Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was really interesting to learn what went on at the prison from a guards point of view. I would recommend it to anyone who likes history or just wanting to know another side to the story.