Denevi's research and sources, including members of the Anglin family, help depict the desperation felt by the inmates and sense of hope and pride felt by the escapees family. The book tells in fine detail the months of planning and thought involved in concocting the escape attempt together with the vast array of contraband that was acquired for the endless hours of labor. The cunning displayed by the inmates makes you wonder had they put their obvious astuteness and guile to legitimate means they would now be living prosperous and carefree lives. Various reported sightings help keep the myth alive and part of you hopes they did escape regardless of their crimes. Not once does Denevi make you feel compassion for the escapees as their misdemeanors are not in question but you are left marveling at the ingenuity of the plot.