Michael Esslinger Biography

Michael Esslinger is a historical researcher and best-selling author whose acclaimed work has appeared in numerous books, film and television documentaries, including segments on the Discovery, Travel, National Geographic and History Channels. His work spans entertainment, science, politics and historical subjects. From the elusive crew of Apollo 11, to inmates of Alcatraz, he has interviewed icons and other figures that have shaped history and continues to write on subjects that explore a vast spectrum of the human experience.

Author & Historian Michael Esslinger

His books ALCATRAZ - A History of the Penitentiary Years and Letters from Alcatraz continue as best-selling references chronicling the island's rich historical past. He is the co-author of the classic film memoir: I WANT IT NOW! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, a magical memoir penned by Julie Dawn Cole, the original Veruca Salt in the classic motion picture with Gene Wilder. Current projects include a comprehensive history on the Apollo Program based on interviews that include Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins documenting mankind's epic journey to the moon. He is also engaged in several Alcatraz related projects. They include: Whitey Bulger, The Last Interviews (a volume of interviews conducted by the author); Al Capone - the King of Alcatraz, a historical account of Capone's years on the Rock, and a new account of the 1962 Frank Morris and Anglin Brothers Alcatraz escape entitled, Alcatraz Escape: The Untold Story of the Greatest Prison Escape in American History.

Apollo 11 Anniversary

(L-R) Historian Michael Esslinger, Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Edward Nixon (Brother of President Richard M. Nixon), Historian John Babiak, Apollo 11 Recovery Ship and USS Hornet Captain Carl Seiberlich, Commander of Apollo Recovery Forces Robert Tolleson, Clancy Hatleberg Apollo 11 Diver and Recovery Specialist.