A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords [Paperback]

David Dawley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0881336289 | ISBN-13: 978-0881336283 | Publication Date: March 1, 1993 | Edition: 2 Sub

An instructive and relevant look at an explosive period in urban history! This savagely moving autobiography of a violent street gang covers its heyday in the 1960s when it had perhaps ten thousand members in at least twenty-six branches on Chicago's West Side. It is the story of a street gang that became a community organization, supported by private foundations and corporations and dedicated to social, economic and political development. The gang's violent neighborhood was transformed into Head Start's most improved block where the crime rate decreased as did the number of gang-related killings.

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Shelden-Macallair, Juvenile Justice in America: Problems and Prospects (ISBN 9781577665236) and Lyon-Driskell, The Community in Urban Society, Second Edition ISBN: 9781577667414.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A Nation of Lords is an important contribution to understanding survival on the most dangerous streets in America--a book that provides insight into the problems facing young people living in cities throughout America. David Dawley's work as a community organizer is testimony to the power of individual commitment, and the success of the Vice Lords demonstrates that neighborhoods can be revitalized and lives can be saved when people of all ages have a stake in their community. The voices in A Nation of Lords need to be heard, and Dawley's incredible adventure in the Sixties should inspire all of us . . . to increase our efforts to help the youth of America." -- Jack Kemp

"A Nation of Lords is hard-hitting, persuasive and appeals both to those on the program and policy level. With the atomizing of family and neighborhood, we need public attention to this issue now more than ever." -- John A. Calhoun, National Crime Prevention Council

"A Nation of Lords reminds us that something can be done if the will and resources are made available to turn matters around. This book should be read by everyone who cares about our cities." -- James Diego Vigil, UCLA

"Dawley deserves recognition not just for the programs he developed as 'a white Vice Lord,' but for taking readers into Chicago's toughest streets without getting them hurt. Having been a Cook County prosecutor before serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, I know from experience that the streets where Dawley worked are not friendly to strangers. Like everybody else who knew Lawndale in the Sixties, I have no idea how he survived. This is a great book, a timeless story of people and power with important implications for public policy." -- Marty Russo, Retired member of Congress

"Everyone interested in decreasing the racial and economic tensions that divide our country must read A Nation of Lords. This book reveals a powerful strategy for building our nation's most under-resourced communities." --Wendy Kopp, Teach For America

Product Details

• Paperback: 205 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc; 2 Sub edition (March 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0881336289
• ISBN-13: 978-0881336283
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,726 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provacative answer to the question of social evolution, November 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords (Paperback)

All's well. A Nation of Lords recalls the early years of Vice Lord and the origins of VL literature. A must read for every Vice Lord. The book can enlighten many youngsters to the path that the Lords deceased intented for this nation. Lords should take the ideas advocated in this book to heart. Only we can really alleviate any of the social problems within our communities. Continue on the mission, ALMIGHTY.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Do yourself a favor and read this book, June 14, 2002

By 

jason smtih (Belmont, VT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords (Paperback)

A NATION OF LORDS chronicles the transformation of one of Chicago's most notorious street gangs from ruthless criminals to community leaders and activists. It is at once a horrifying and inspiring account, a must read for anyone with an opinion on the racial and economic oppression that plagues this country.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative, powerful and interesting......., November 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Nation of Lords: The Autobiography of the Vice Lords (Paperback)

An avid reader of true stories, I was truly pleased with this book. I couldn't put it down. I read this book 7 years ago and can read it again today with the same interest. I highly suggest readers to read this one. Three years ago, I loaned someone my original autographed copy that I received in 1992 hot off the presses and it was never returned. I am purchasing it today through Amazon.com and will soon have an autographed copy again to share with friends...Great Job David!