The Birdman of Alcatraz: Myth vs Reality

Robert Stroud became one of the most famous prisoners in American history as the “Birdman of Alcatraz” but the real story was far more complicated. This week, we look at the life of Robert Stroud, the violence that shaped his prison years, the mythology built around him, and the reality behind one of the most enduring legends in true crime history.

Source Materials

Babyak, Jolene. Bird Man: The Many Faces of Robert Stroud.

Bruce, J. Campbell. Escape from Alcatraz.

Gaddis, Thomas E. Birdman of Alcatraz.

Gregory, George H. Alcatraz Screw: My Years as a Guard in America’s Most Notorious Prison.

Quillen, Jim. Alcatraz from Inside: The Hard Years 1942–1952.

Stroud, Robert. Looking Outward: A Voice from the Grave.

Alaska Historical Society — “Robert Stroud: The Birdman of Alcatraz”

Encyclopaedia Britannica — “Robert Stroud”