Customer Reviews

Encyclopedia of Organized Crime in the United States: From Capone's Chicago to the New Urban Underworld

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I went and picked up this book from the local library thinking I would browse through it and then decide whether or not to buy. Glad I did this as anybody would be foolish to shell out $75 dollars for this book.

It does have its bright spots. A lot of good reference material, outlines of the familes and groups and short bios of different criminals over the years. It was a usualful took in remembering where different people fit and allowed for easily and quick access to a variety of topics.

However, the material is than less than exciting in reference to other crome books. While it covers a ton of mobsters I was suprised that it didn't include one my favorite characters, Roy Demeo. There were limited pictures in the book espically for what you expected for one as highly priced.

First, this book is not "encyclopedia" in size in terms of either pages or dimensions. After the introduction, acronyms and time line the reader will find 328 pages of information, followed by a limited bibliography and a detailed index. The body of the book largely consists of biographies of deceased mob bosses and henchmen, which are available in more detail in Robert Jay Nash's less expensive reference books on organized crime. The limited unique information available here, and not found elsewhere, would not justify the cost of $75 to most true crime buffs.

In the compass of 385 pages, Kelly provides a succinct picture of organized crime in the United States during the past century. His portrait of Al Capone is a highlight of the narrative and includes materials often excluded from standard texts.

The work provides a look at the milieux in which crime breeds and is a must have for any scholar, student or for those involved in criminal justice in general. I found it an excellent read.

While the price is unfortunately too high, I highly recommend this book. I have purchased several copies and given them to friends who are interested in this era of american history and all have greatly enjoyed the book as well.