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Here is my suggested reading list for information on La Cosa Nostra. This list will continually be updated as I read more. A lot of the information on The MAFIA SITE came from these books. Enjoy!
For your convenience, (and my own profit for the hours of hard work put into this site, lest you think that I am purely altruistic) I have become an associate of Amazon.com, so you can order any of these books by clicking on the image or the name of the book. And if you're looking for something else that Amazon.com carries, you can use the search box at the bottom of this page.
Underboss: Sammy the Bull Gravano's Story of Life in the Mafia
This is the story of Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano. I tell ya, you hear and read a lot of bad things about the guy. I've read opinions of people that say this book is crap and not to believe a word he says, but his account is pretty close to what I've read almost everywhere else. I'm not ashamed to say it -- I really liked this book!
Wise Guy
The movie "Goodfellas" (DVD available at right)came from this book. It is the story of mob associate Henry Hill, and includes gangsters Jimmy "The Gent" Burke, Tommy DiSimone, and capo Paul Vario of the Lucchese Family (whose name was changed to Paul Cicero in the movie). An entertaining read.
Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas
This book was made into the movie "Casino" (DVD available at right). It tells the story of handicapper, bookmaker, casino manager "Lefty" Rosenthal, his wife Geri, and Chicago gangster Tony "The Ant" Spilotro. An interesting account of how the Chicago Family, through Spilotro, took control of Las Vegas, screwed it up, and lost it.
Gangland: How the FBI Broke the Mob
This is the story of the seven year investigation into the Gambino Family culminating with the sentencing of boss John Gotti to life in prison. It is mostly from the point of view of the FBI unit that conducted the investigation.
Blood and Power: Organized Crime in 20th-Century America
This is a very thorough history of organized crime in twentieth century America. It includes such notable characters as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, Al Capone, Frank Costello, Meyer Lansky, Vito Genovese, Ben "Bugsy" Siegel, Owney Madden, Joe Kennedy and many others.
Goombata: The Improbable Rise and Fall of John Gotti and His Gang
An interesting biography of John Gotti. While it was very enjoyable reading, some of the information in this book conflicts with accounts that I've read elsewhere. This may be due to the time that the book was written, however. At the time of this book's writing, Gotti was still a free man, so I assume that much of the information that we have now was not available at that time.
War of the Godfathers by William F. Roemer, Jr.
A compelling book telling the story of the battle for Las Vegas in the 1980s between New York's Bonanno Family, under Joe Bonanno himself, and the Chicago Outfit, under Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo. This is a great story. It really shows the power of the Chicago Outfit.
Blood Oath by George Fresolone and Robert J. Wagman
George Fresolone was an associate of the Bruno-Scarfo Family in New Jersey under capo Pasquale "Patty Specs" Martirano. He became an undercover operative for the New Jersey State Police and wore a wire to record meetings for an entire year. During this time, he recorded his "making", promotion to capo, and promotion to underboss. This is his story.
Double Cross: The Explosive, Inside Story of the Mobster Who Controlled America by Chuck and Sam Giancana
This book is written by the brother and nephew of Sam Giancana. It is quite an interesting story of the life of the onetime boss of the Chicago Outfit, told from his brother's perspective. Covered in this book are the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the Outfit's involvement with the CIA.
Accardo: The Genuine Godfather by William E. Roemer, Jr.
Another fine book from Mr.Roemer, it tells the story of Tony "Joe Batters" Accardo, perhaps the most powerful man in the history of La Cosa Nostra (Luciano included). This is Accardo's life story, but since he was involved since the days of Capone (before La Cosa Nostra was even formally established) and the "man in charge" since 1943, this book, by necessity, tells the story of the Chicago Outfit.
Bound By Honor: A Mafioso's Story by Bill Bonanno
This book is written by Joe Bonanno's son (make up your own mind if that is good or bad). It seems to focus mostly on the political machinations within La Cosa Nostra, while simultaneously trying to build a halo around the heads of the author and his father. If this is the only book you read on La Cosa Nostra, you will come away with a belief that Joe Bonanno and his son were just a couple of good-hearted, guys who were picked on by all of the really mean guys in the mob. If you ever read his stories about himself, you will find that Joe does the same thing. I wasn't impressed with this book, but then I'm not impressed with Joe Bonanno, so I was probably biased going in. I do give the guy credit for being around since the very beginning of La Cosa Nostra and managing to survive. This is just my opinion of the book -- pick it up and read it and you might have a different opinion.
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