Fortress Alcatraz

Fortress Alcatraz by Martini, Arturo John. paperback edition. ISBN: 9781580086264.

Before becoming known worldwide as the notorious penitentiary and, more recently, a famous tourist attraction, the little island of Alcatraz in the middle of San Francisco Bay was controlled by the U.S. Army for nearly 90 years. This barren, guano-covered island surrounded by treacherous currents was ideally located to serve its dual purposes as military defense post and prison. In FORTRESS ALCATRAZ, San Francisco historian John Arturo Martini explains the fascinating history of this landmark, from its discovery and seizure to its role during wartime; its tenure as a maximum security federal prison; and finally to its present-day status as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. A painstakingly researched history of Alcatraz by former national park ranger and noted Alcatraz historian John Arturo Martini. Lavishly illustrated with 150 diagrams and archival photographs, including rare 1869 photos by Eadweard Muybridge. Of the many books written on Alcatraz, this is the first to detail the island¬?s nearly forgotten but fascinating military history.