UNDER THE CLOCK The Inside Story of the Mafia's First Hundred Years

Hardback. The author chronicles the Mafia's U.S. origins, detailing Italian immigrants, "The Black Hand," wresting control of New York rackets from Irish "White Hand" racketeers. Led by Battista Balsamo, the original "Godfather," a five-year gangland war ensued, marked by violence. The book traces the Mafia's expansion, highlighting figures like Al Capone, and government efforts, led by D.A. Tom Dewey, to combat it. Based on ten years of research, it includes rare photos, offering a vivid account of organised crime's early impact and the struggle for power on the waterfront, shaping America's criminal landscape. Illus., Afterword and Index. 400pp. lge. 8vo. h/back. With tiny label to fpd o/w F. in Nr. F. protected dw. A fairly heavy book which may require additional postage if shipped overseas.