Robert Stroud "Birdman of Alcatraz" PSA NM7 ALS About Writing His Book & a Book Written About Him

1p, measuring 8" x 10.25", Alcatraz, California, dated January 2, 1950. An autograph letter signed three times by notorious criminal Robert F. Stroud (1890-1963), first as "Robert Stroud" at the top of the first page above the preprinted recipient's address panel, second as "Bob" at the conclusion, and "Robert Stroud, 594" below the informal signature. Written from the U.S. Federal Penitentiary at Alcatraz to his half-sister Mamie E. Stroud. Stroud writes of a recent ailment, a book being written about him, and writing his own book. With flattened mail folds and light edge toning. Boldly signed. PSA Slabbed and Graded NM7, measuring 9.75" x 13" overall.

In part:

"…I am feeling fine generally, but I had another bad attack Saturday night, and had to get the doctor out of bed. I am alright now, though. I did have a letter from Marcus, but he failed to answer my questions, and I got all over him for it. He is very bad that way. He told me that Frank Bires has written a book based upon my life, and which deals with Mother to a large extent. He wants to publish it and wants permission to use my name and is willing to cut me in on the royalties…Bires has good connections out here on the coast, and he thinks that he has a good book and that once it is published, I may be able to get some cash out of it…The book I am working on now is going fine. I am halfway through the third section, but am devoting this week to the final polishing of the third section. Everyone who reads the parts I have done praise it to the skies…"

Stroud's letter was composed about seven and a half years after his transfer to Alcatraz Island on December 19, 1942. Stroud had previously been incarcerated at Leavenworth for 30 years, and he remained there until 1959. He was frequently in solitary confinement or the hospital due to his aggressive behavior and various ailments. The book he references was his novel Looking Outward: A History of the U.S. Prison System from Colonial Times to the Formation of the Bureau of Prisons, in which he covered the history of the prison system and his own experience within it. Although forbidden to publish his manuscript from Alcatraz or Springfield prison, the book was eventually published after Stroud's death.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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