Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone [Paperback]

John Kobler (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0306812851 | ISBN-13: 978-0306812859 | Publication Date: October 7, 2003

The public called him Scarface; the FBI called him Public Enemy Number One; his associates called him Snorky. But Capone is the name most remember. And John Kobler’s Capone is the definitive biography of this most brutal and flamboyant of the underground kings—an intimate and dramatic book that presents a complete view of Al Capone and his gaudy era. Here is Capone’s story: his violent childhood in Brooklyn, his lieutenancy to Johnny Torrio, his rise in the ranks of the underworld, the notorious St. Valentine Massacre, his eventual control of the entire city of Chicago, and his decline during his imprisonment in Alcatraz. Capone was the ultimate gangster, and Capone is the ultimate in gangster biographies—a classic in the literature of crime.

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306812851
• ISBN-13: 978-0306812859
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #67,818 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > True Accounts > Organized Crime

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scarface, August 15, 2005

By 

JMack (Chicago) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone (Paperback)

In a book subtitled, "The Life and World of Al Capone", one would suspect an in depth look at the famous Chicagoan. While the book has points where it is very informative, I believe the author could have used a more involved editor in composing his book. Having originally gone into publication in 1971, there are better books about Al Capone.

In the first hundred pages, Al Capone's name is literally mentioned only about five times. I respect the author's motive for formatting the book this way. He was trying to set up the world that gave rise to a gang leader like Al Capone. However, some of the stories could have been left out. At times, I found myself wondering if the author would ever start discussing Capone.

The author begins the story of Capone in his service to Johnny Torrio. Eventually, this relationship develops more into a partnership than a hierarchy. Capone was very aggressive in furthering his interests even if the price was murder. La Cosa Nostra and organized crime in America thrived under the laws of prohibition. The illegally produced and supplied alcohol was only produced by those willing to disobey the way. It was a chance Capone was to take. Additionally, Capone made his money from gambling and racketeering.

The generous side of Capone is one that is less frequently discussed. He donated much of his wealth to the poor which is more than can be said for the contemporary crooks and gangsters of corporate America. With this comparison in mind, it seems odd that the government finally crumbled the Capone empire with charges of tax evasion. Capone was sentenced to eleven years, but served less than six due to good behavior and the terminal phase of syphilis.

I was disappointed to discover the end of the book. The author followed through with the title in the beginning with an overwhelming introduction. Unfortunately, the author chose to describe Capone's effect on the world in seven pages. I believe the author could have said more of the world of Al Capone more in terms of his after effects.

In total, I found this book to be more than adequate. While it is flawed and inconsistent, it is a worthwhile primer for those seeking to learn of Capone. At times, the author goes into great detail demonstrating the work put into this project. However, the amount of work is not always consistent with the final project.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding.....The "Premier" Bio of Al Capone, July 10, 2005

By 

SuperChief (Los Angeles, Calif.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone (Paperback)

In my opinion, this is the best and most well written of all of the Capone biographies. The first few pages of this highly engrossing book takes the reader to the front door of the Lexington Hotel, Capone's headquarters.....on into the inner sactum of the gangleader himself. The story of Al Capone is brilliantly laid out in an easy to follow format that takes the reader through Capone's life and motivations. I've read all of the major bios on "Big Al" and this is by far the best.....highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The rise and fall of Scarface, August 13, 2010

By 

Anthony Bruno (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Capone: The Life and World of Al Capone (Paperback)

This is perhaps the most readable of the major Capone biographies, but it isn't the most complete. The book was first published in 1971, and I suspect the author did not have access to government archives that subsequently have been released to the public. CAPONE gives you the sweep of the man's criminal career and covers all the major events, but there's more to his story. Start with this book for a good overview, then read Schoenberg and Bergreen for more in-depth coverage.