Trapped!

The Story of Floyd Collins

By: Robert K. Murray, Roger W. Brucker

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

The sensationalism and hysteria of the rescue attempt in early 1925 of caver Floyd Collins generated America's first true media spectacle and one of the seminal events of the century.

The crowds that gathered outside Sand Cave in Kentucky turned the rescue site into a carnival. Collins's situation was front-page news throughout the country, hourly bulletins interrupted radio programs, and Congress recessed to hear the latest word.

With a new epilogue revealing additional information about the Floyd Collins story that has come to light since the book was first published, Trapped! is both a tense adventure and a brilliant historical recreation of the past.

©1979 Robert K. Murray and Roger W. Brucker (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This gripping account of the 1925 entrapment of Floyd Collins in Sand Cave simultaneously thrills and terrifies any reader." (Kentucky Living)
"The story of Floyd Collins' entrapment in a Kentucky cave makes for chilling and exciting reading." (Library Journal)
"The tension and confusion of the days of rescue attempts are made real." (Augusta Chronicle)

At Last!

When very young, I found an old "78" record with the ballad of Floyd Collins (can be found with a Google search). Of course, I fell in love with it. Over the years, I found very little information about the man in the song - usually just a short "cave explorer, died trapped during a cave exploration". At last, an informative book about someone I have been curious about all my life. I enjoy doing cave tours and really enjoyed how some of the caves were originally explored and set up for tourists that are still popular today. I found that the ballad was a very accurate recounting of the tragedy of a young man who died doing what he loved - cave exploring.

Very interesting look at the country and the people during the 20's.

A real gem of an audio

This is one terrific audiobook. I was looking for something different, and being a native of Kentucky, I was pleased to find the story of Floyd Collins in audio book form. The writing is excellent, and even though I knew the outcome, it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Also, the narration is excellent and very entertaining. I have read about 70 audio books in the last 2 years, and this one is in my top 10. I would highly recommend this audio book. It will keep you listening....

Claustrophobia off the charts

After u look up the actual cave sight. Along with the great description from the authors. You feel like ur there. Glad i know this true story.

great telling

i think this is a perfect example of how the media/news can twist a story

Most exciting epilogue I’ve ever read!

Very in-depth history of the cave system and meticulous detailing of the rescue attempt. I liked the author’s use of national newspapers to examine how reporting on the cave-in was fabricated by most outlets. And the epilogue! The two authors got permission for an archeological exploration of the closed cave. They give a turn by turn description of the cave and the artifacts left behind from the rescue dig. I have seen the entrance to sand cave on my few visits to Mammoth Cave National Park and I always wondered what the cave is actually like. I thought I liked caves, but I would not have wedged myself through a nine inch wide passage to see what was beyond! Yikes!

Sweaty Palms!

This one had me riveted! Your hands will sweat as you put yourself in Floyd Collins place while you listen - as he lie trapped underground in a tiny cramped cave for WEEKS! Barely able to move. The ongoing news media and public actions during the attempted rescue will leave you shocked. Some things never change. Even nearly 100 years later. Worth listening to more than once.

A harrowing true story

Collins's misadventure is fascinating and chilling. The narrator, Joe Barrett, makes it real, with an upbeat credibility. My only negative criticism is a nitpick. Several long chapters run up to 2 hours each, read aloud. Be ready for that and you'll do alright. Audible might consider chopping these chapters in half for convenience.

Outstanding Performer

Performance was exemplary and greatly added to my enjoyment of the book. I want to get more books by this performer.

PalmSpringsPerry

Read Trapped nearly 40 years ago for the first time. I visited Sand Cave many times over the years, it is an eerie quiet place. If you listen hard enough you can still hear Floyd breathing and hoping Johnny Gerald frees him.

The story has everything

It's a story of drama, self promotion, self sacrifice, shameless price gouging, superstition, ignorant arrogant experts, lying reporters and public drunkenness-and that's just the rescue party! Floyd searched for the next great tourist cave but he delved too greedily and too deep when he accidentally kicked loose a 27 lb rock on his left leg. Trapped on his back with his arms pinned to his side in a location so difficult almost no one could squeeze in Floyd had to depend on friends, relatives and strangers to save him. For a story about a man who slowly starves and freezes to death its not at all morbid. Also he gets buried 5 times and his body stolen once...or was it?