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Patrick Downey

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Legs Diamond: Gangster Paperback – December 19, 2011

by Patrick Downey (Author)

4.0 54 ratings

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Through a combination of brains, cunning and daring Legs Diamond became one of the top gangsters in the East, but because of his stubbornness, treachery and poor decision making he lost it all; his friends, his money and finally his life. Legs Diamond is the most comprehensive biography yet written on New York’s most famous Prohibition era gangster. The book covers Legs’ youth in Philadelphia, his ascension through the New York underworld, which resulted in his becoming an international celebrity, and his inevitable demise in a cheap rooming house. Along the way, the many myths and untruths that have been written about Diamond over the years are corrected. Detailed in the book are:- Full accounts of all four attempts on his life. - The war between Diamond and his one time protégé Dutch Schultz, which resulted in the almost assassination of Legs’ brother Eddie.-The famous Hotsy-Totsy murder case.- Diamond’s ill-fated trip to Europe to purchase drugs.-His bid to monopolize bootlegging in New York’s Greene County.-The death of his brother Eddie.-New information on Vincent “Mad Dog” Coll and his possible partnership with Diamond.-Jack’s final night.-The origin of the nick name Legs.-His relationship with Ziegfeld showgirl Kiki RobertsAnd much more.

About the Author

Patrick Downey has spent countless hours researching guys that wore suits and hats and carried machineguns. His other books include Gangster City: The History of the New York Underworld 1900-1935 and Bad Seeds in the Big Apple: Bandits, Killers & Chaos in New York City 1920-1940.

Print length

276 pages
Language

English
Publication date

December 19, 2011
Dimensions

5.5 x 0.63 x 8.5 inches
ISBN-10

1461088143
ISBN-13

978-1461088141
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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 19, 2011)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 276 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1461088143
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1461088141
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.63 x 8.5 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #864,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,684 in Crime & Criminal Biographies

Customer Reviews:
4.0 54 ratings

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Patrick Downey

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Patrick Downey specializes in Prohibition Era and Depression Era crime. Guys in fedoras with machine guns, bobbed-haired gals with gats, fun stuff like that.

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4 out of 5

54 global ratings

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Michael A. Coluccio

Downey Does it Again

Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2012

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For the third time in a row, Patrick Downey delivers the goods in his chronicle of the crime scene in Prohibition era New York. This time the subject of his research is the unlamented Jack "Legs" Diamond, the Big Apple's answer to Al Capone. Downey leaves no stone unturned in this engrossing study of one of the period's most fascinating figures, although it becomes clear in these pages that Legs' notoriety may have falsely inflated the actual power he wielded among his peers. As mobster and Diamond foe Salvatore Spitale put it, "He was the most overrated guy I ever knew." Maybe so, but it cannot be disputed that Diamond symbolized the glitz and glamor of the Prohibition Era, openly carrying on an extramarital affair with showgirl "Kiki" Roberts, shooting up a Broadway speakeasy called the Hotsy-Totsy Club (yes, that was its real name) and himself having been shot and left for dead so many times that the New York Times dubbed him the "human ammunition dump for the underworld." Tracing Legs' life back to his birthplace in Philadelphia in 1898, we learn that Diamond's real name was, in fact, Diamond, even though a number of his biographers have erroneously stated that it was Nolan or Moran. Moreover, despite the fact that it has been widely reported that the first of four unsuccessful attempts on Diamond's life occurred in October, 1924, the author, citing a New York Post article, puts the actual date at July 1, 1925. Downey's account of Diamond's final hours is riveting, and his epilogue regarding what became of many of those in Legs' orbit after his assassination is probably one of the most comprehensive written to date (even as far as describing the stomach contents of Vincent Coll, based on the coroner's report, after he was himself shot to death). I could go on and on, but from a personal standpoint I find myself easily bored with long reviews, so I'll spare you. But if you're into true crime, especially of the period in question, it's a sure bet you'll enjoy this book.

13 people found this helpful

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Philomath

Not like the movies

Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2019

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A well researched biography of one of America's most famous gangsters. The best part, is that it shows, in detail, just how inaccurate Hollywood's depiction of the man has always been. I enjoyed it very much.

One person found this helpful

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Barry E Magee

Leg's stayed in my hometown quite a bit.

Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2014

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Leg's was a frequent visitor to my hometown (Saranac lake, NY). His brother Ed was TB patient and taking the cure in Saranac lake and Leg's came often to see him. When he first stayed at the hotel, my Dad was a bellhop and always got a $5 buck tip for handing his luggage. Some times he came disguised as a Priest, other times as a woman. The eventually bought a house on Shephard Avenue. Leg's, while "shacked up" in a hotel in Albany, NY died one moring due to a severe case of lead poisoning.

3 people found this helpful

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Goo Goo

A less-than-riveting read, with a bunch of mistakes

Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2013

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I had such high hopes when I purchased this book. I've been visiting Cairo, NY for years, and when I heard that Legs Diamond lived there, I couldn't wait to read all about him. I love reading, but this book took me forever to complete, despite being less than 200 pages long. There are tons of English mistakes, from weird spellings to punctuation issues to God knows what else. The writer doesn't have a distinct voice, and does not know how to grip the audience. Sometimes, the tone of the book is cheesy. Other times, it just comes across as dull. I honestly do not think this guy proofread his own manuscript before having it made into a book. I WILL say this: there is a lot of very specific information - information that is well-researched and hopefully accurate - and that's impressive. The author clearly did his homework, and even incorporated a bunch of pictures of Legs - as well as fellow gangsters - into the book. If you already have a strong interest in Legs Diamond, this might be your thing. However, if you merely find the concept of organized crime intriguing and are hoping this book will stir about your curiosity, you might be disappointed. Sadly, the coolest thing about this book is the cover.

3 people found this helpful

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Cory buckaloo

Good read

Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2020

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Very informative easy to read I like they style of the notes at end of each chapter wish it would have expanded on his relationship with Owney Madden

Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2013

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A very interesting insight into the life of one of the lesser known 'gangsters'. It follows him from boyhood to the end with plenty of insight into the way Diamond 'thought'. It's good reading.

2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer

Legs Diamond

Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2019

Verified Purchase

Would not suggest this as a must read for those who enjoy books pertaining to gangsters. Poorly written.
Very disappointing.

One person found this helpful

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lou immediato

I liked it

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2013

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It wasn't the best book I've ever read but it fits in the top 10. I would recommend it to everyone.

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Mr. T. Beachem

Seen the film now reading the correct details

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2013

Verified Purchase

Saw the film years ago but thought I would get a better Idea of Legs Diamond, if you are interested in this stuff then get this book, I am only onto the second chapter and it is great stuff, seems well researched and straight forward information no fancy tarting up down to the point.
He was quite a character probably someone you may have liked to have known, if you lived at that time of course, anyhow just get the book and have a good read.

saint michael

Saint Michael

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2012

Verified Purchase

If you feel the "alure" of the Depression era Gangster/Outlaw, a book about "Legs" is a must! The Author manages to capture the rise and fall of John Diamond in a particulary pleasing and always interesting way. You will read of a man who associated with many of New York's infamous "Bad guys", and how readily many of them became his enemy. Is he deserving of the "reverance" of criminals such has Capone,Luciano,Moran etc? Well you can make up your own mind. One thing is for sure about "Legs", he sure took some "putting away", the man was shot, and survived several times till he met up with his maker! A Very fine read, well meriting it's 4 star rating.

One person found this helpful

usman wahid

fantastic book

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 13, 2014

Verified Purchase

i thought this book was great because there isnt much info on jack legs diamond and i thought patrick downey did a magnificent job at giving this to the reader also there is very good pictures in the book and any fan of the prohibition era gangster as i am will love this book

One person found this helpful

Munch

Excellent.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2014

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this book (Kindle.) It's one of them books, where I was gutted when I finished it. The sign of a good read, and this certainly is. Deffo recommend it.

Mr. P B

Not great

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 11, 2016

Verified Purchase

Stopped reading after 3 chapters as I did not enjoy.

One person found this helpful

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