For as long as human beings have been locking one another up in cages or dungeons, there have been other human beings scheming and strategizing ways to escape their cells and break free of their prisons. More often than not, their attempts prove futile and they’re recaptured, their punishments extended and the conditions of their surroundings made worse. But in their experiences with freedom, however brief they may be, the escapee becomes legendary, their exploits going on to be told and retold in books, films, and songs long after the prisoner has passed away. While some prison breaks—like those of the wrongfully incarcerated or unduly punished—can be justified and go on to be romanticized, others are less romantic or exciting and can even lead to deadly outcomes. And yet, no matter the circumstances and outcomes, each one can tell us something about the system and culture responsible for the initial sentence and subsequent escape. Here is the first volume of this fascinating subject!
For as long as human beings have been locking one another up in cages or dungeons, there have been other human beings scheming and strategizing ways to escape their cells and break free of their prisons. More often than not, their attempts prove futile and they’re recaptured, their punishments extended and the conditions of their surroundings made worse. But in their experiences with freedom, however brief they may be, the escapee becomes legendary, their exploits going on to be told and retold in books, films, and songs long after the prisoner has passed away.
While some prison breaks—like those of the wrongfully incarcerated or unduly punished—can be justified and go on to be romanticized, others are less romantic or exciting and can even lead to deadly outcomes. And yet, no matter the circumstances and outcomes, each one can tell us something about the system and culture responsible for the initial sentence and subsequent escape. Here is the first volume of this fascinating subject!
Associated Press. 1986. "Supervisor apparently kidnapped by escapee." Ann Arbor News, December 6: 1.
—. 1962. "Alcatraz 'age' held factor in trio's escape." Los Angeles Times, June 14: 5.
Frishman, Dan. 1962. "Big Bay manhunt on for three Alcatraz escapees." San Francisco Exminer, June 13: 1.
Hanson, Tom. 2023. Prison escapes in America: How common are they and what's the real risk? September 18. Accessed September 12, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/prison-escapes-in-america-how-common-are-they-and-whats-the-real-risk/.
Hotz, Mark. 2012. "Awaiting trial Dillinger escapes." Bank Note, June: 10.
Indianapolis Star. 1934. "Dillinger, 3 state felons caught." Indianapolis Star, January 25: 1.
—. 1934. "Expecting death, prisoner tells of crime career." Indianapolis Star, January 31: 1.
—. 1934. "Vast army hunts John Dillinger." Indianapolis Star, March 4: 1.
Kinkopf, Eric. 1987. "Escape." Detroit Free Press, January 2: 16.
Leff, Lisa. 2012. Escape from Alcatraz: 50 years later, mystery remains. June 12. Accessed September 9, 2026. https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna47782343.
Martindale, Mike. 1987. "Escapee murders way across country." Burlington Free Press, June 14: 1.
New York Times. 1962. "3 Alcatraz convicts cut their way out with spoons." New York Times, June 13: 1.
—. 1962. "3 Alcatraz convicts cut their way out with spoons." New York Times, June 13: 1.
Press, Associated. 1986. "Police say Ypsi center worker adits he aided man's escape." Herald-Palladium (Benton Harbor, MI), December 26: 17.
Richardson, Randi. 2021. Beryl Hovious and Public Enemy No. 1. March 22. Accessed September 8, 2026. https://monroehistory.org/2021/03/22/beryl-hovious-and-public-enemy-no-1/.
Swickard, Joe. 1987. "Suspects in deadly tales." Detroit Free Press, January 22: 1.
Warren, Jenifer. 1993. "Escape from Alcatraz?" Los Angeles Times, November 11: 3.