The Rock

NewMexiKen read Alcatraz last evening, a book by prisoner #1422, Darwin E. Coon (now 74 years old). Coon did time at Alcatraz from 1959 to 1963.

It’s a quick read, just 145 pages, much of it on Coon’s criminal career, which culminated in a federal armed robbery conviction and an eventual transfer from Leavenworth to Alcatraz. Though brief, the details about life in the island prison are interesting. Coon claims to have lent his raincoat to the infamous Morris-Anglin escape (portrayed in the Clint Eastwood movie, Escape from Alcatraz) and there are a number of other short vignettes and profiles. The writing is fast-paced, if somewhat basic.

Amazon has several interesting reviews.

NewMexiKen and family toured the prison about 25 years ago. If you haven’t been, I’d recommend it.

Thanks Byron for sending the book, autographed by #1422.