Imprisoned for murder at the age of 18, Robert Stroud (1890–1963) spent more than 54 years in jail (47 in isolation), where he became a self-educated authority on birds and bird diseases and author of an important reference, Stroud’s Digest of the Diseases of Birds, published in 1942. A self-taught legal scholar as well, Stroud wrote an exhaustive history of the federal legal system. Twelve ALSs each signed “Bob, Robert Stroud, #594,” all one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8 x 10.25, and dated from 1957. Each letter sent to Fred E. Dow of Coral Gables, Florida, on a variety of topics and scholarly reflections. One reads in part: “I am glad that you found my description of the way the brain cells work interesting. I have been reading books on physiology all my life but I did not get that clear picture in my mind until I began cutting rat and bird brains and putting them under the microscope.” Another reads in part: “I do not blame any apartment owner for not renting to families with kids. The answer to your question as to what they are going to do with the kids is simple. Those who cannot privide homes for them have no business having them.” Stroud has also added his full signature at the top of each letter, along with his Alcatraz address. Intersecting folds, some through portions of signature, several pages with prison notations or stampings, several creases, and some light edge toning, otherwise fine condition. Strong convictions from one of the 20th century’s most famous prisoners. RRAuction COA.
