Last Man Standing: The Tragedy and Triumph of Geronimo Pratt

Last Man Standing chronicles the story of Geronimo Pratt, a decorated Vietnam veteran and Black Panther Party leader who spent 27 years in prison after being convicted of murder in 1972. The book follows Pratt's life from his Louisiana childhood through his military service, his time with the Black Panthers in Los Angeles, and his subsequent arrest and imprisonment. Author Jack Olsen reconstructs the investigation, trial, and decades-long legal battle through interviews, court documents, and FBI records. The narrative examines the role of FBI counterintelligence programs, police informants, and the criminal justice system during a turbulent period in American history. Through Pratt's case, the book documents the intersection of civil rights activism, law enforcement, and political movements of the 1960s and 70s. The story exposes the complex relationship between government agencies and activist organizations while raising fundamental questions about justice, surveillance, and systemic racism in America.

Readers describe this as a detailed account of Geronimo Pratt's wrongful imprisonment and the efforts to free him. The book presents extensive research and interviews that expose law enforcement misconduct. Readers appreciated: - Clear documentation of FBI and police tactics used against the Black Panthers - Step-by-step coverage of the legal proceedings - Balanced portrayal of all involved parties - Personal insights into Pratt's character and resilience Common criticisms: - Dense legal details can be difficult to follow - Some sections move slowly due to procedural focus - Limited coverage of Pratt's early life Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 ratings) Sample reader comment: "Olsen methodically builds the case showing how law enforcement conspired to imprison an innocent man. The detail can be overwhelming but it serves an important purpose in revealing systemic corruption." - Goodreads reviewer

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🔹 Author Jack Olsen was known as "the dean of true crime authors" and wrote 33 books over his career, winning multiple awards including the Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime. 🔹 Geronimo Pratt spent 27 years in prison (eight in solitary confinement) before his conviction was vacated in 1997, making him one of the longest-serving wrongfully imprisoned people in California history. 🔹 The book reveals how the FBI's COINTELPRO program specifically targeted Pratt and other Black Panthers, with documents showing they worked to "neutralize" him despite evidence of his innocence. 🔹 Johnnie Cochran, who later gained fame as O.J. Simpson's attorney, was Pratt's original lawyer in 1972 and spent 27 years working to prove his innocence. 🔹 After his release, Pratt received a $4.5 million settlement from the FBI and LAPD, but refused to express bitterness, instead dedicating himself to helping other wrongfully convicted prisoners.