Most of us know about mafia groups through news and tv shows. The information provided by the journalists may or may not be true. Similarly, the movies and tv- shows view of these mafia gangs is somehow glorifying. Characters are represented as legendary and brave. The representation in movies is not right and actual. On the contrary, they are way more brutal, violent, and threatening.
If you are looking for nonfiction mafia books that can draw the actual picture of mafias. A book that can give you facts and references, then this place is for you. The list given below includes nonfiction books that are based on facts. Besides, they are interesting, will not let you get bored. From a reader unknown to mafias, to a reader well-read in mafia reading, it includes books for different levels of readers.
1. Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires by Selwyn Raab
September 1, 2005
786 pages
Five Families by Selwyn Raab is the best pick among mafia nonfiction books.The five families included are Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese . Instead of glorifying these mafia families, the way they do in movies, this book fully exposes them. It draws the horrendous picture of american well-known mafia families. Starting with the reflection on the Sicilian origin of the mafia, it lays down the disastrous structure of the mafia, and ends with the irreparable damages of mafia families. It discusses in detail the start, transition, and firm establishment of mafia groups across the world. However, it is a bit difficult and dry to read but once you finish it, you will feel the change.
2. Gaspipe: Confessions of a Mafia Boss by Philip Carlo
June 23, 2009
368 pages
Gaspipe by philip carlo is a story of Casso, boss of the Lucchese mafia family. Casso is serving a lifetime prison sentence of thirteen years in Colorado . Unraveling the Casso story as a mafia boss, it unravels the criminal underworld. From the casso start of career as a criminal and becoming wanted mafia boss to becoming a rat, saving his life, it sheds light on every aspect of his life. Further, it also covers the family life of casso. As compared to five families by Selwyn Raab, it is an easy and entertaining read.
3. Sonny: The Last of the Old Time Mafia Bosses, John “Sonny” Franzese
by S. J. Peddie
304 pages
Smilyonny Franzese is one of the legendary and brutal criminals who worked for the Columbus mafia family. S.J. Peddie’s sonny’s the last of the old time mafia bosses is a captivating read about Sonny. Starting at the age of fourteen with a murder to becoming a full time secret operator of mafia family, this book covers all aspect of sonny’s life, including his affairs. In addition, it gives details of Sonny’s arrest and refusal of giving secret codes to government agencies. Besides, it draws both the brutal and charismatic sides of Sonny’s personality.Once you start reading it, there is no going back.
4. The Mob and the City: The Hidden History of How the Mafia Captured New York by C. Alexander Hortis
May 6, 2014
382 pages
The mob and the city by C.Alexander Hortis requires no prior knowledge on readers’ behalf. Also, if you are well-read in mafia reading, it will still impart some significant knowledge that you would have not read before. Based on research archives and secret files, it explains the history of mafia development in New York; from where and how it started to where and how it propagated. In addition, it debunks myths related to different mafia books. Packed with fascinating details, it is a thrill read. Highly recommended for both beginners and veterans.
5. Mafia Summit: J. Edgar Hoover, the Kennedy Brothers, and the Meeting That Unmasked the Mob by Gil Reavill
22 january, 2013
320 pages
Reading about the secrets of the mafia always fascinates us. How fearlessly they work for their purpose. However, there are some brave heroes, too, who put their efforts to expose such mafias. Mafia Summit by Gil Revil is a story of such heroes. It provides details of the Appalachian summit of all Mafia members on 14 Nov, 1957. It explains J.Edgar Hoover’s journey from denial to accepting the existence of the mafia. Besides, it was the Appalachian summit, which made Hoover realize of mafia existence. In addition, it describes the efforts of the Kennedy brothers in exposing mafias to Hoover and America. Readers interested in nonfiction mafia books should give it a chance, too.
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6. The Godmother: Murder, Vengeance, and the Bloody Struggle of Mafia Women by Barbie Latza Nadeau September 6, 2022
256 pages
Mafia groups like other fields too, seem dominated by men. However, there are some exceptional examples of women who progress in it. They were so perfect in their craft that they were followed by many. The Godmother by Barbie Latzu describes stories of all those women. All the stories presented are based on proper research and interviews. In addition, it reflects on the struggles of women in mafia groups. One of them is Pupetta Maresca, who started from avenging her husband and ended up part of a mafia gang. To develop a perspective from a female point of view of how the mafia works, everyone should read this.
7. The Mafia: A Cultural History by Roberto M. Dainotto
March 15, 2019
240 pages
Many of us have watched movies and tv shows based on various mafia groups. However, all those representations are mostly glorious and fascinating. In reality, they are way more brutal, cruel, and a threat to other citizens’ lives. The Mafia: A Cultural History by M. Dianotto reflects on the difference between the tv and reality of the mafia groups. Besides, it traces down the origin of the mafia in Sicily to its progress in different countries. In addition, it takes on the role of the media, music, movies and entertainment industry in its propagation and appealing nature to audiences. People interested in watching movies and tv shows related to mafias should read this to develop a better judgment.
8. Manhattan Mafia Guide: Hits, Homes & Headquarters (True Crime) by Eric Ferrara
August 4, 2011
224 pages
Most people end up as criminals because of their circumstances. In the beginning of the 20th century a small number of Sicilian and southern italian immigrants moved to new york. Escaping poverty, they ended up as an organized criminal gang. Manhattan Mafia Guide includes stories of those immigrants, many of whom are unknown to people. Eric Ferrara explores those secret places of New York where they carried their business. Besides, it also tries to analyze the myths about Mafia gangs through immigrants’ journeys. Also, some of the information given requires prior knowledge, so it is more suitable for refreshers.
9. The Mafia Encyclopedia by Carl Sifakis
March 1, 1988
367 pages
Full Of illustrations and entries, it offers a complete read on mafia. From their planning and scheming to tactics and crimes, it examines all aspects of mafia working. Through well known gangs and legendary characters, the process of mafia crime is explained. Some of the famous groups that you will come across in this book are; Chinese mafia and Russian mafia. It is a very interesting and researched book for academics. Its detailing style makes it a good option for both beginners and refreshers.
10. HISTORY OF ITALIAN MAFIA: The definitive guide to discover the origin, development, and spread of Sicilian Mafia in Italy and the world. From 1800 up to the present day.by David Anversa
October 23, 2020
146 pages
The Italian mafia had been the most influential group in history from the 1800s. History of Italian Mafia by Davis Anversa dives into Italian mafia history; from where and how it started to when and where it propagated. Being the most influential, the book provides a detailed view of its effect on the economy, social life, and politics of the state. It starts with the origin of the Italian mafia in Sicily and ends with the lasting influence on different institutions. It provides you with objective and accurate history. Besides, it is an easy read, so readers with any level can read it without putting much effort.
