The Origin of Organized Crime in America

By David Critchley,

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…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

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

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 non-fiction on the New York mafia.

If you love The Origin of Organized Crime in America...

Ad

Book cover of Who Is a Worthy Mother?: An Intimate History of Adoption

Who Is a Worthy Mother? by Rebecca Wellington,

I grew up thinking that being adopted didn’t matter. I was wrong. This book is my journey uncovering the significance and true history of adoption practices in America. Now, in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade, the renewed debate over women’s reproductive rights places…

Want books like The Origin of Organized Crime in America?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 98 books like The Origin of Organized Crime in America.

Browse books like The Origin of Organized Crime in America

Book cover of The First Family: Terror, Extortion, Revenge, Murder, and the Birth of the American Mafia
Book cover of Vicious Circles: The Mafia in the Marketplace
Book cover of The Two Mafias: A Transatlantic History, 1888-2008

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,727

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Origin of Organized Crime in America, you might also like...

Book cover of Grand Old Unraveling: The Republican Party, Donald Trump, and the Rise of Authoritarianism

Grand Old Unraveling by John Kenneth White,

It didn’t begin with Donald Trump. When the Republican Party lost five straight presidential elections during the 1930s and 1940s, three things happened: (1) Republicans came to believe that presidential elections are rigged; (2) Conspiracy theories arose and were believed; and (3) The presidency was elevated to cult-like status.

Long…

Book cover of Benghazi! A New History of the Fiasco that Pushed America and its World to the Brink

Benghazi! A New History of the Fiasco that Pushed America and its World to the Brink by Ethan Chorin,

Benghazi: A New History is a look back at the enigmatic 2012 attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya, its long-tail causes, and devastating (and largely unexamined) consequences for US domestic politics and foreign policy. It contains information not found elsewhere, and is backed up by 40 pages of…

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in New York State, organized crime, and New York City?

New York State 567 books
Organized Crime 65 books
New York City 1,154 books