Birdman of Alcatraz; the Story of Robert Stroud

Can a man who committed 2 murders be rehabilitated in prison? Robert Stroud, aka "The Birdman of Alcatraz" could. He transformed himself into a leader in the field of ornithology, a scientist and an expert on prison reform. Through his work with birds he taught himself not only to cure their diseases, but to heal himself. This man became a productive member of society under the most stringent, unfair conditions, and I believe should have been paroled long before his death 54 years after he first set foot in prison. A very moving book.

Depicted in this book, not as the bizarre "Birdman" of legend, but as a real man with great courage, fortitude, and intelligence, Robert Stroud is seen as a man who, despite his 54 years of incarceration (43 of which were in isolation of one form or another) maintained a dignity rarely equaled. Even with the enormous obstacles in his way, Gaddisis was able to unveil many of the injustices shown to Stroud throughout his life in prison, the ways he struggled to keep his sanity, to go from a third-grade dropout to a world-renowned expert in the health and care of canaries to an old man who was not even allowed many of the sparse comforts afforded fellow inmates. Gaddis does not try to hide the violence in Stroud's past, yet he also makes it possible to view glimpses of the man that Stroud could have been. With the last words written only one year before Stroud's death, this book was able to lay open for public view not only one man's life but also many of the injustices and atrocities with which the history of the American prison system is riddled. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

Inspirational book about how a man overcomes the hardships and limitations of years in prison, transforming himself from a brutal illiterate into a man respected throughout the world for this contributions to science. Fascinating story, well told by the author. The movie, starring Burt Lancaster, is excellent as well, but read the book first.

Thomas E. Gaddis has produced an absolutely incredible work! The story of Robert Stroud's life in prison - in solitary confinement, is thoroughly interesting, gripping and thought-provoking. The reader really gets to know Robert Stroud, and is left with a feeling of great respect and admiration for a man who, despite the absolute horrors of a life spent mostly in solitary confinement, was nevertheless able to develop his potential to become a world famous ornithologist and author. Birdman of Alcatraz is a story of human endurance under monumental restrictions and difficulties. An immensely encouraging book, as it demonstrates the incredible potential in man to overcome enormous hardship and injustice, and the ability to rise above it all and make an highly respected contribution to the world.