Why read The Origin of Organized Crime in America?

Book cover of The Origin of Organized Crime in America: The New York City Mafia, 1891-1931

Book description

While the later history of the New York Mafia has received extensive attention, what has been conspicuously absent until now is an accurate and conversant review of the formative years of Mafia organizational growth. David Critchley examines the Mafia recruitment process, relations with Mafias in Sicily, the role of non-Sicilians…

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Why read it?

1 author picked The Origin of Organized Crime in America as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Paul Moses

Author

The history of organized crime is often subject to exaggeration and outright myth, in part because some of the source material, such as old newspapers, tends to be sensationalized.

For readers who prize accuracy, this scholarly account is the go-to choice. Author David Critchley filled the void in what’s been written about the formative years of the American Mafia, straightening out what was previously known from hyped-up news coverage.

Everything he writes is documented and so specific: a wealth of period photos, and information from a wealth of sources, including court documents and many other government records, such as birth…

From Paul's list on The best non-fiction books on the New York mafia.