The Birdman of Alcatraz
1958
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This book comes from the pardon case file of Robert Stroud.
Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” was serving 12 years in a federal penitentiary for murder when he killed a fellow inmate and was sentenced to death. After his mother wrote to President Wilson asking for clemency, his term was commuted to life in prison. While imprisoned at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, Stroud cared for a family of sparrows, was eventually credited with raising over 300 canaries, and became known as a respected ornithologist.
In 1942, Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz. A book about his life, “Birdman of Alcatraz,” was published in 1955 when he had been in prison for over 40 years. After the release of a movie based on the book, a wave of support emerged for his release. The attempts for his release were unsuccessful, and he died at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, on November 21, 1963.
Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” was serving 12 years in a federal penitentiary for murder when he killed a fellow inmate and was sentenced to death. After his mother wrote to President Wilson asking for clemency, his term was commuted to life in prison. While imprisoned at Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, Stroud cared for a family of sparrows, was eventually credited with raising over 300 canaries, and became known as a respected ornithologist.
In 1942, Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz. A book about his life, “Birdman of Alcatraz,” was published in 1955 when he had been in prison for over 40 years. After the release of a movie based on the book, a wave of support emerged for his release. The attempts for his release were unsuccessful, and he died at the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, on November 21, 1963.
Transcript
JD1550
SIGNET
50c
BOOKS
THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF THE MAN WHO HAS SPENT FORTY-TWO YEARS IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT… THE AMAZING CONVICT BIRD DOCTOR WHO BUILT A NEW LIFE BEHIND PRISON BARS.
BIRDMAN OF ALCATRAZ
The Story of ROBERT STROUD
By THOMAS E. GADDIS
A SIGNET BOOK
COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED
This primary source comes from the Records of the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
National Archives Identifier: 7861679
Full Citation: The Birdman of Alcatraz; 1958; Stroud, Robert ("Birdman of Alcatraz"); Case Files for Significant Pardon Cases, 1925 - 1999; Records of the Office of the Pardon Attorney, Record Group 204; National Archives at College Park, College Park, MD. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/the-birdman-of-alcatraz, April 17, 2025]Rights: In Copyright Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
