The Mafia

Based on original sources and research, not legends and myth, this book presents a lively, in-depth analysis of how the American Mafia epitomizes organized crime. Whether it's supplying illicit drugs, alcohol during Prohibition, gambling, prostitution, or even loans to those with bad credit, the Mafia has established itself as a part of the fabric of American society, politics, and economics for over a century. The Mafia continues to exist not only because of their immense power that allows their criminal organization to defy law enforcement, but because demand remains strong for what they offer. This book utilizes verifiable information about the Mafia based on newspaper and magazine accounts, police and FBI documents, court records, and the author's own original research to offer a deeper analysis of "the Mob" that provides historical, social, economic and cultural context. Fascinating biographical sketches that profile well-known Mafiosi such as Charles "Lucky" Luciano and John Gotti are also presented.

NATE HENDLEY is a Toronto-based writer, reporter, and author. In addition to hundreds of news articles, features, profiles, and reviews, he is author of Edwin Alonzo Boyd: The Life and Crimes of Canada's Master Bank Robber (2003), Dutch Schultz: The Brazen Beer Baron of New York (2005), Al Capone: Chicago's King of Crime (2005), and Crystal Meth: North America's Number One Drug Problem (2006). He has also written a biography of John Lennon and children's books on Canadian Prime Ministers Jean Chretien and William Lyon Mackenzie King. Hendley has a web site located at www.natehendley.com.

Series Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Timeline Chapter One History of the Mafia Chapter Two Rackets Chapter Three Chicago Chapter Four The Mafia across America Chapter Five Law and Order Chapter Six Twenty-first-Century Mafia Conclusion Biographical Sketches Appendix A: Secrets and Rituals Appendix B: The Mafia in Popular Culture Glossary Primary Documents Selected Bibliography Index