Riddle of the Rock

On June 11, 1962, a year before the infamous prison in San Francisco Bay was permanently closed, three inmates--Frank Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin--escaped from the island. None of the three was among the toughest of the hard men who were serving on ``The Rock,'' and whether they survived the treacherous currents of the bay is unknown. DeNevi ( Alcatraz '46 ) reviews the story here, going into detail about the trio's extensive preparation for the breakout, material that would be boring were it not a testimony to amazing ingenuity. DeNevi is convinced that the escapees survived. Fans of prison books will find this one mildly interesting; general readers will question the point of reopening the subject. Photos not seen by PW. (June)