Alcatraz

When Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin boldly escaped from Alcatraz prison on June 11, 1962, it is widely believed that they succumbed to the waters of San Francisco Bay, though no trace of the men has ever been found, only their makeshift raft. In this reexamination of the escape and its aftermath, the Anglin brothers’ nephew presents compelling evidence that his uncles did in fact survive and eventually made their way to Brazil, where they married and had children. Using official; government documents the authors show how mobster Mickey Cohen may have been involved in the escape, some revealing letters from fellow inmate Whitey Bulger, and recorded testimony from the person who facilitated their escape to Brazil, the authors make a strong case for the Anglin brothers’ survival. In addition, a 1975 photograph of the brothers in Brazil has overcome all challenges to its authenticity by skeptics. This book provides a plausible outcome to one of America’s enduring mysteries.

Ken Widner grew up hearing stories about his famous uncles from his mother and family. In 2015, he participated in The History Channel documentary, Alcatraz: Search for the Truth, in which he shared previously unknown stories and photos. He also became friends with James "Whitey" Bulger, who was incarcerated at Alcatraz the same time as his uncles. Writing letters to each other for two years, Bulger shared intimate details about his uncles, the escape, and prison life. Ken also filmed an episode about the Alcatraz Escape on Expedition Unknown shown on the Discovery Channel in July 2022. He lives in Gainesville, Georgia with his wife and west highland terrier.

Mike Lynch is an award-winning author whose historical non-fiction book, Dublin, came out in 2007, followed by eight novels, including the historical fiction book, After the Cross.